This forms part of the work Peabody is doing to improve the lake, which has so far included:
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Removing the built-up silt and creating floating wetland islands
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planting a new reedbed
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installing a 23m high fountain
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installing a sand martin nesting wall and kingfisher perch
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Improving access to the water’s edge
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Creating four new boardwalks
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Installing bat boxes and bat monitoring equipment
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Planting wildflower meadows
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Creating a fish-free channel
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Relocating the fish container from the water’s edge
Here are some of the initial findings from RSK Wilding’s ongoing research:
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Four new species of bats were recorded in 2023 that were not recorded between 2021 & 2022. It’s not yet clear whether this is a result of improvements to habitats or thanks to better methods of collecting.
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20 new species of birds were recorded in 2023 that were not recorded in 2021 & 2022. It’s not clear whether this is a result of improvements to habitat or thanks to better methods of collecting.
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In 2023 there were notable invertebrate sightings including a nationally scarce beetle species (podagrica fuscicornis), and the crane fly (gnophomyia viridipennis).
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Water quality in Southmere Lake has improved, and is likely a key cause of a growing number of dragonfly species.
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Improving grassland diversity and wetland marginal habitats have made the area more attractive for Bumblebees. There was a notable sighting of one of the rarest species in the UK, Shrill Carder Bee, in 2023 in meadow near Southmere Lake.
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Recommendation that vegetation piles could be provided nearby the lake to create opportunity for hibernating reptiles. This habitat is currently limited.
The full report will be published in 2024. In the meantime, we’ll continue to share key findings as they emerge.
Read our Southmere Lake factsheet to find out more about the improvement works.
