Before the Lake was recreated as part of the Wetland Project in 1991/2, it was only 10% of its current size.  Although starting out much larger, it had silted up over many years, with tangled rhododendron growth encroaching across the entire lake area. 

The Wetlands Project was a major undertaking.  It involved an army of workers as well as the services of two tracked swing shovels. 

Following clearance of the rhododendron, thousands of tonnes of silt were removed by the swing shovels.  These heavy machines used log ramps to avoid sinking into the mud and water.  The silt was stored on either side of the newly created lake, forming sloping banks which would later be colonised by a host of plants and animals. 

These gently sloping sides of the lake created in the process make it suitable for a variety of plants and animals, each of which favours a different depth of water.  Water enters the lake from the stream, the depth of water in the lake is controlled by a sluice gate.  To lower the level, the sluice is partially opened, allowing more water to flow out of the Lake.  Normally the Lake is kept full and water flows out over a spillway at the western end.  It is here that Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies are seen during the summer as they flutter gracefully amongst the water loving plants.