As part of a regeneration scheme, Cannon Hill Common Lake is being dredged during January to March, to remove silt build up and improve water quality and biodiversity.
The urban lake, home to many species of fish including Carp, Tench, Pike, Roach and Dace will be dredged and silt removed to create areas of deep and cool water that will help to promote fish survival.
Over the last two days fish have been caught and temporarily housed in holding tanks whilst work is carried out. The fish will be graded out and large fish counted before being restocked and returned.
During the summer months, many fish suffer as a result of the rapid temperature and oxygen changes, associated with the shallow depth and excessive silt.
Reed bed areas and marginal plants will be formed to create wider biodiversity benefits such as generating areas for fish to spawn and encourage invertebrates to settle, which will act as food for fish. The new eco-islands will shelter juvenile fish, and floating reed beds will act as a refuge area for adult fish to shelter away from birds.
Tree surgeons will safely cut back some of the overhanging trees to reduce shading of the lake and the number of leaves falling into the water. The bats will not be affected.
Merton Council Director of Environment and Regeneration, Lyn Carpenter said: ‘It is a wonderful opportunity for us to regenerate this lake and to ensure that the habitat of the fish and the water quality is restored. This demonstrates Merton’s commitment to a cleaner environment that can be enjoyed by local residents in Cannon Hill over the coming years.’
ENDS
Notes to Editor
· The Heritage Lottery Fund approved £50,000 jointly raised by Merton Council and the Environment Agency (EA) to be spent on the project.