Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

The lake is surrounded by wet alder woodland that is dominated by alder with oak, goat and grey willow and an understory of holly, hawthorn and bramble. There is an island in the middle of the lake with similar vegetation. The lake's more open margins support marginal plants such as lesser pond-sedge, gipsywort, purple-loosestrife and common reed. The lake also supports a number of breeding water birds including tufted duck, mallard, coot, moorhen and Canada goose. It is likely that the lake and surrounding habitats support common amphibians and invertebrates, and stag beetles have been recorded here. Two flood-defence bunds have been created on either side of the lake and recently planted with a wildflower mix. A number of native species rich hedgerows are present, with one marking out the western boundary of the park. Other bird species recorded include mistle and song thrush, stock pigeon and common starling. Two bat species have also been recorded. The rest of the park is mostly amenity grassland and sports pitches, but there are some fine mature trees including oak pollards dating from before 1750.

Facilities

Playground; restaurant; historic buildings