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St James's Park lake gets a spring clean
Work is due to start this week to clean and refill St James's Park lake to improve the water quality for wildlife.
Last drained in 1987, the Lake will be emptied in two sections, with a temporary dam built down the middle, in order to give wildlife access to water and to an island at all times.
Once the water has been drained, silt will be collected and removed and the condition of the sluice gate and base of the lake will be inspected and repaired if necessary.
The reedbeds along the banks of the lake will be protected during the works and may be extended following the project.
Mark Wasilewski, park manager of St James's Park said: "Silt, leaves, and other materials have accumulated in the lake and we felt that this would be an appropriate opportunity to drain and clean it.
"A number of interesting objects have been found in the past including wedding rings, cameras, and umbrellas - so I'm curious to see what turns up this time."
The project is due for completion towards the end of April.
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Westminster's St James' Park is bound to be better than Newcastle's after this!
What has happened to all the waterfowl at St James's whilst the work is being undertaken? Most of them seem to have gone elsewhere. Isn't this the time of year they start nest building? I saw a coot building a nest on a part of the lake which has been drained - and once the lake is refilled it's nest, and any eggs or chicks will be under water.
Daryl Smith