The Marine Lake should be the jewel in the crown of New Brighton, central to one of the most iconic and breath-taking views in Merseyside. At the moment, however, the water in the Lake is in a poor state, full of debris and dirt, and green and opaque. Marine life cannot survive in the Lake as it is too brackish. There is a risk that there will be another outbreak of blue-green algae, posing a threat to swimmers, dogs and wildlife.
We want to restore the Lake so that it can be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone - walkers, swimmers, paddle-boarders, local residents and tourists. To achieve our goal, the first phase will be to carry out a feasibility study that will help us determine what actions are needed, how much they cost, and over what timeframes. The second phase will focus on implementing the necessary changes.
What we'll deliver:
- Carry out a feasibility study to provide a detailed set of recommendations for the rehabilitation of the lake.
- Train up 10 volunteers who will regularly clean and monitor the lake water, circa 20 hours per month.
- Based on the findings of the study, develop and agree a five year plan for the sustainable restoration of the lake.
- Begin the step by step journey towards implementing the necessary improvements.
Why it's a great idea:
We will know the project has been successful when:
-we have a clear understanding of what action is needed to rehabilitate the Lake, how much it will cost and how long it will take
-local people start to believe that the restoration and clean up of the Lake IS possible
-when the Lake starts to look cleaner and cared for
-when mussels start to grow in the Lake
-when a cormorant coming out of the Lake with a fish in its beak is a regular sight
when people make a special day trip from miles away to swim in the Lake and afterwards they eat the best fish and chips on Wirral and stay for a while to admire the view
Steps to get it done:
- We will commission an expert to carry out tests late summer when the water is at its worst.
- This will enable options for the rehabilitation of the Lake to be costed up.
- We will work with key bodies to implement the preferred option for the rehabilitation of the Lake
- We will train at least 10 volunteers in citizen water science
- We will organise a rota of volunteers to clean and monitor the lake's water quality.
This project will help the environment by restoring its water quality. It has very low salinity levels, and marine life cannot survive in such brackish water. As we introduce interventions to increase salinity and oxygen levels (mixing, increased seawater levels, mussels), marine life will return to the Lake. We will regularly remove hazards to wildlife from the Lake, particularly plastics, polystyrene and glass, as well as hazards to swimmers such as trolleys and large objects.
The project will also increase volunteering by training and co-ordinating a team of volunteers to regularly monitor the water quality and built infrastructure of the lake, as well as organise clean ups.
The project will promote activity and leisure by ensuring that the lake remains free and safe to enjoy.
The project will boost the local economy by improving the way the lake looks attracting visitors who will want to spend money in the many wonderful shops, bars and eateries in New Brighton.
