Celebrating World Wetlands Day

 

 

Wetlands are some of the most vital ecosystems on the planet, supporting an abundance of life. They are a sanctuary for wildlife, with many species depending on them for their survival. Wetlands also serve as natural water filters, provide food, support agriculture, tourism and recreation, help protect us from disasters like floods and droughts, AND they absorb carbon dioxide, making them key in combating climate change.

 

© Ron Thomas

At Birkenhead Park we have three beautiful freshwater lakes: Upper Lake, Lower Lake, and the Figure Eight Lake. These lakes provide an oasis for wildlife amidst urban surroundings. Wetland birds, such as coots, moorhens, Canada geese, and cormorants, thrive here – you may even spot a kingfisher flashing along the banks if you’re lucky! The lakes also provide a drinking source for mammals and support a great number of insects, from diving beetles to mayflies, which in turn feed bats like the Daubenton’s bat, also known as the “water bat”. This species of bat often skims across the water surface to catch insects.

 

© Heather Bradshaw

The lakes aren’t just important for wildlife, they’re also a beloved feature for visitors. Whether it’s watching sunlight sparkle on the water or listening to the gentle ripples of rain, they offer moments of relaxation and wonder. In summer, they provide a place for recreation, from picnics by the water to angling for the fish that call the lakes home. Historically, the Lower Lake was a boating lake, complete with African canoes and Chinese junk boats.

 

 

Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, the Figure 8 Lake has recently undergone significant improvements. The team worked hard to replace the old path edging with new wooden boards kindly provided to us by the Wickes Community Fund. A new membrane and woodchip sourced from fallen trees around the park have been added on top to complete the path. This area is now ready to welcome back schools for pond dipping and minibeast hunts.

 

 

Looking ahead, the volunteers have begun thinning out wooded areas near the Upper Lake to maintain sightlines. Plans are also underway with our Ranger team to test the water quality and survey the lakes for dragonflies, damselflies, and aquatic invertebrates later in the year. These efforts will help to ensure the health of the lakes and also help us better understand and protect these vital ecosystems.

 

© Heather Bradshaw