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In harmony with the Buckinghamshire Biodiversity Plan Dorney Lake harbours an increasing number of birds, mammals and invertebrates.
 Regular monitoring by an ornithologist for more than 10 years has recorded sightings of 58 bird species, of which some 35 have bred or are likely to breed. The new Nature Conservation Area is being grazed by sheep to a level which will attract yet more birds, including some which like 'ephemeral' wetlands (when it rains, there are pools).
Cross-curricular study projects and information packs will be developed for schools and special interest groups will also be catered for with guided or self-guided nature trails. Study subjects can cover a wide range from particular flora or fauna to micro-climates to geography and topography. |
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You will be pleased to learn that Dorney Lake could hardly have better green credentials in this age of environmental awareness. Here are some interesting facts:
- For many years before construction began, Eton College, owners of the land, ensured that fertiliser use was restricted, so that high-quality water would result
- The Lake water is fed from underground aquifers (streams), percolating through the natural gravel filter
- Algae growth is discouraged by using barley bales
- A special breed of carp eats its way through water weeds
- Recycling practices are applied wherever possible in both sporting and hospitality activities
- During the Olympic Games 2012 bid process we used environmentally friendly lighting powered by mini-wind generators and solar panels (provided by one of the bid sponsor companies)
- Visitors are asked not to set up barbecues since carbon run-off can affect the water quality
- Litter too is discouraged so it does not interfere with the water or birds
- Dog-owners are encouraged to clean up after their animals
- A pair of swans enthusiastically set up a nest on one of the barley bales near the Boathouse at the time of the Rowing World Cup 2005 and laid some eggs - they and their babies were carefully removed before this big event and reinstated afterwards!
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