Funding awarded for lake restoration project

An additional £58,969 has been awarded to help further improve the water quality, biodiversity and engagement in and around the lake.

The funding will be used for:

• The installation of picnic benches
• Works to Pike Drain Inlet – to remove a damaged section of pipe, new liner inside pipe, new support to pipe as it runs in to the lake, remove, clean and relay coping stones, grade surrounding ground and ground floral planting
• Works to the gully outlet structure to achieve a static water level within the lake
• A volunteer-led activity – to create and install a ‘lost features’ trail
• A community public art installation – a series of workshops leading up to an installation at the lake edge

This will add to the great work already delivered thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund which will deliver improvements for biodiversity and the park community.

The original Lake Restoration Project works, delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, began in January 2021 after the council was allocated £658,700 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The restoration of, and improvements to, the lake from Phase Two of the restoration will include:

• The installation of below water aeration equipment to improve water quality
• Bank restoration works
• Lake edge and woodland under-storey planting
• Footpath improvements
• The provision of fishing pegs
• Access to occasional boating
• Improvements to the surface around the beacon
• The addition of a viewing platform
• And now the addition of benches and picnic tables, improvements to the inlet and outfall, a community art installation and lost features trail, thanks to FCC Communities Foundation.

Cllr Bob Bushell, portfolio holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: ‘I’d like to personally thank the FCC Communities Foundation for this funding to help further improve biodiversity at Boultham Park lake.

‘This work is not only important for the park itself, but also the local community and its visitors, and I look forward to joining them later this year in witnessing these much-needed improvements.’

Cheryl Raynor, grant manager at FCC Communities Foundation said: ‘We are delighted to be supporting the council to further enhance this well-used park, it is a fantastic facility for local people, and we look forward to work starting shortly.’

Photo Credit – Reiseuhu