Plans are being drawn up to help protect Hornsea Mere – Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake and one of the region’s most important wildlife habitats – following the award of a development grant from the Water Restoration Fund.
Situated within the Wassand Hall estate, Hornsea Mere faces a range of environmental pressures including declining water quality, invasive non-native species, development and recreational use.
As a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area, the lake is recognised for its significance to wildlife, particularly waterfowl, and requires coordinated management to protect its ecological value.
The development funding will support the creation of a strategic action plan to guide the long-term restoration and care of Hornsea Mere and its wider catchment.
It will also enable detailed data gathering and the strengthening of partnerships between landowners, agencies and local organisations.
The project is being led by Groundwork Yorkshire, a charitable organisation working in partnership with the Wassand Hall estate trustees.
Peter Murphy, operations director at Groundwork Yorkshire, said: “Hornsea Mere is an important area for wildlife and especially waterfowl, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to work collaboratively on the production of a development plan for the Mere and its catchment, with a view to securing further funding to deliver meaningful and long-lasting changes to benefit the local area and enhance its wildlife value.”
A specialist team – including an ecologist, landscape architect and project coordinator – will be assembled under the leadership of Karen Tozer, Groundwork’s programme manager for Hull and East Riding.
The longer-term plan is expected to include practical conservation work such as removing invasive species, with opportunities for local volunteers to get involved in hands-on restoration and awareness activities.
Anyone interested in the future of Hornsea Mere is encouraged to get involved. Inquiries can be made by emailing [email protected].