Case Study
Brooklands Lake Restoration
Location
Worthing, East Sussex
Date
October - December 2017
Client
Adur&Worthing City Councils
Stakeholders
Environment Agency
Tasks
- Drain the lake entirely to enable the excavation of 15500 m3 of silt from the lake bed.
- Use the dredge material behind permanent Geo-textile revetments to further improve the marginal vegetation.
- Clear the existing vegetation and sheds on the islands to replace it with native plants.
- Install 3 floating islands for distinct species: ducks, terns and swans.
- Create diverse habitats through the installation of shingle bars around the islands.
- Remove the existing vegetation and silt from the Teville stream. Plus, install a marginal revetment backfilled with site won soil from bank regrading.
- Translocate phragmites and marginal plant species throughout the site.
- Construct a recycled plastic walkway
- Produce an extensive reed bed to reduce contaminant levels entering the lake.
Key remarks
- All fish living in the lake were rescued and translocated to a nearby waterbody prior to the commencement of works.
- A track matting was laid over railway lines using chock blocks to prevent contact with rails and any damage.
- Designated plant routes within the lake were marked out using red and white marker poles.
- The entire lake margins were Heras fenced off and secured from the general public to create a safe working site.
Effects
- The three islands provide breeding sites for marine bird species and waterfowls.
- New habitats were created thanks to the planting of native species.
- Connecting local dwellers with nature as they can now appreciate a walk through the reed bed.
- The peripheral vegetation supports macro-invertebrates and fish populations.
- Fishery conditions have been improved within the Teville stream.
