Canvey Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canvey Lake |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Canvey Island, Essex |
| OS grid | TQ 797 839 |
| Area | 8.3 hectares |
| Managed by | Castle Point Borough Council and Canvey Island Town Council |
Canvey Lake is a special natural area on Canvey Island in Essex. It covers about 8.3 hectares, which is like 12 football fields! This beautiful spot is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it is a place where nature is protected and people can enjoy it.
Canvey Lake is owned by Castle Point Borough Council. It is managed by this council along with the Canvey Island Town Council. They work together to keep the lake and its surroundings a great place for both wildlife and people.
What is Canvey Lake?
Canvey Lake was not always a lake. It used to be a natural waterway called a creek. A creek is a small inlet or bay. Over time, a sea wall was built. This wall helped to change the creek into the lake we see today.
A Home for Wildlife
Canvey Lake is home to many different animals. You can often spot various birds swimming on the water. Some common birds here include mallards and moorhens.
The lake also provides a safe home for other creatures. One important animal living here is the water vole. Water voles are small, furry animals that love to live near water. They are an important part of the lake's ecosystem.
To help the wildlife, some changes have been made. A shingle bank was created. This is a raised area made of small stones. Reed beds, which are areas of tall grass-like plants, have also been carefully trimmed back. These changes help to make the lake a better place for all its inhabitants.
Managing Canvey Lake
On March 1, 2010, an important agreement was made. The Canvey Island Town Council signed a long-term lease. This lease was with the Castle Point Borough Council. It allows the Town Council to help manage Canvey Lake for 99 years.
A special committee helps to run the site. This committee includes two councillors from each council. An independent chairman also leads the group. They work together to make decisions about the lake.
The Town Council has worked hard to get funding. This money helps to improve the lake. They want to fix problems from past neglect. Their goal is to create areas for recreation, fishing, and wildlife. This makes Canvey Lake a wonderful place for everyone to visit and enjoy nature.
How to Visit Canvey Lake
You can easily visit Canvey Lake. There is public access from Denham Road. It's a great place for a walk or to simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
