WORK has been completed on the first phase of environmental improvement works at Lingley Mere Business Park, in Warrington.
The lake improvement is part of an ongoing scheme to protect and enhance biodiversity across the park.
The works have been carried out by the Lingley Mere Management Company. The aim of the scheme is to improve the quality of one of two lakes at the centre of the park.
High nutrient levels in the water, combined with an excessive fish population and bank erosion, have adversely affected its wildlife habitats, making the eight-month project necessary.
Work has included removing poor quality trees and shrubs around the lake, while good quality plants have been protected and retained.
The water level was also pumped down to allow access to remove the island and improve the banks.
Nicholas Gage, estate manager at Lingley Mere, said: “We have worked extremely hard – in conjunction with the Environment Agency and United Utilities’ ecology and sustainability teams – to improve the biodiversity of the lake.”
The lake has been restored to include native, oxygenating and floating plants, and freshwater molluscs have been introduced.
Future plans include the installation of boxes to further encourage breeding ducks and wagtails.
Mr Gage added: “This is an ongoing initiative designed to create a natural feature that’s both visually appealing to tenants and visitors, while at the same time helping to enhance the water quality and improve the lake as a wildlife habitat.”
Lingley Mere is a joint venture between Muse Developments and United Utilities, and provides 380,000 sq ft of office accommodation.
