Tree works around the perimeter of Broadwater lake are scheduled for the 13th to 15th December.

These works mainly affect the bank from the Oaks to the Bird Feeding area (pegs 36-48).  There will be some noise disruption.  We have posted notices around the lake explaining why we are doing the work

We apologise for any inconvenience and below is the text used on the notices:

What we are doing?

Godalming Angling Society are working with Waverley Borough Council to manage mainly self seeded willows and alders around the margins and on the island at Broadwater.  In the past these trees would be removed or coppiced. This has not happened in recent years and the lake edges have  become overgrown.

This work has been agreed with the Forestry Commission who have issued the appropriate felling license.

There will be minimum disruption to access around the lake and all work areas will be suitably screened off.

Benefits of managing trees

● 1)Coppicing marginal trees improves bank stability and reduces erosion. ● 2)Removing weaker trees from the island will allow the stronger trees to grow to maturity. ● 3)More light will get into the margins of the lake and around the island.  This will allow water plants to grow, improving water quality and increasing biodiversity. ● 4)Reduced leaf fall in autumn mean less leaf litter rotting in the lake and building up silt. ● 5)It will improve views across the lake without opening it up too much. ●

Long term benefits

The heatwave of 2022 showed how important it is to make the lake resilient to climate change.  There is no single measure that can do this. By using a range of strategies such as tree management we hope to make the lake sustainable in the long term for the benefit of everyone who uses it.

Should you wish to learn more about these works please contact:

David Ewing, GAS assistant secretary : godalming.angling@gmail.com

Arno Spaarkogel. WBC tree officer      : Arno.Spaarkogel@waverley.gov.uk