Blue Lagoon Improvement Works - Jan 2021

Published:
January 8, 2021
Last Updated:
January 8, 2021

Having successfully formalised its purchase on 18 December 2020, LDAA can only now formally disclose its plans to improve the venue. This has and will continue to be done in consultation with the Environmental Agency, Forestry Commission, Woodland Management Consultant and Lincoln & District Council - week commencing Mon 11 Jan.

Intention is to improve water quality for the resident fish by adding marginal vegetation that would subsequently increase oxygen levels through photosynthesis, provide spawning opportunities and to provide cover for both fish and invertebrates. Elements of a recent report undertaken at the Blue Lagoon included the following;

Marginal habitat creation

“One of the most striking features of the lake is the lack of marginal vegetation. This is primarily down to the excessively shaded nature of the banks but grazing from wildfowl could also play a part. Well vegetated margins will help to prevent erosion, use excessive nutrients to buffer against algal blooms, provide shade and shelter for fish (particularly those in the first year of life) and to make the venue more aesthetically pleasing.

Margins can be created in a number of ways but a formal front of either faggots or branches won from site is a common method. These are then backfilled with material, again often won from site and planted”

Example of marginal habitat creation that LDAA plans to install in several identified sheltered bays.

Tree works

The pond has a semi-mature belt of trees surrounding it. Over the years these have grown out to the extent that they cover c80% of the lakes perimeter. They extend down and over the water and in many cases encroach over the lakes surface some distance. In some cases the associated leaf litter and branches have totally taken over the margins.

Whilst trees provide excellent overhead cover, refuge and shade it is somewhat excessive at this particular lake. As a result there is extensive shading from the tree canopy which is likely to be restricting growth underneath. This is predominantly notable in the smaller bays which have become almost totally enclosed with trees.

Due to this tree cover the wind has little impact on the water. This “wind shadow” will only increase as the tree mature further. As water movement plays an important part in water quality due consideration should be given to the removal of some tree stock. This removal should be prioritised where the prevailing wind is most prevalent to maximize its effectiveness. The selected removal of tree stock should also have the added benefit of reducing leaf drop and sources of organic material (silt) entering the pond.

North bank where organic material and silt build up over time has allowed the colonisation of trees.

The image below is another typical example of the overgrown nature of the banks and where the almost total tree cover gives distinct lack of light penetration, this “finger bay” would benefit immensely with the addition of marginal vegetation as indicated previously.

Now that LDAA has become site owners, we plan to invest, improve and enhance this venue that will benefit its bio-diversity, the pond's inhabitants, local wildlife and insect life, the natural flora and fauna and be of continued benefit to the local community, residents and anglers alike.

Any questions with regards to the above may be directed to info@lincolnanging.org where it will be reviewed and answered accordingly.

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Author:
LDAA Sec