Wokingham Borough Council has recently worked in partnership with Wokingham Without Parish Council, to complete resurfacing work at Heath Lake nature reserve. The project, which cost £16,000, was funded by the parish council and means there are now 12 clearly marked parking spaces, two disabled bays and further two cycle hoops to lock up push bikes.
The council’s countryside service team managed the project, with local company Berkshire Asphalt carrying out the renovation work. Situated in Crowthorne, Heath Lake has 20 hectares of woodland and heathland. It is also home to the only acid lake in Berkshire, with naturally high pH levels that support several rare plants, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We know just how popular Heath Lake is with local dog walkers and cyclists alike, so it is fantastic to open a newly resurfaced car park for visitors. We are delighted to have worked in partnership on this project with Wokingham Without Parish Council and Friends of Heath Lake, and would like to thank them for funding the work.”
PIC BY STEWART TURKINGTON
www.stphotos.co.uk
From left to right: Borough Cllr Angus Ross, a member of Friends of Heath Lake, Cllr Aaron Plume, Wokingham Without Parish Council, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, Wokingham Borough Council, Simon Bartlam, countryside officer operations, Wokingham Borough Council and Cllr Lesley Foxwell, vice chairman, Wokingham Without Parish Council
Cllr Lesley Foxwell, vice chairman, Wokingham Without Parish Council, said: “Heath Lake is much loved by our local residents, which is why we we’re proud to fund such an important project from the Community Infrastructure Levy from the Bewley Homes development. This nature reserve welcomes many visitors so it was important to ensure the car park was fit for purpose.”
Heath Lake car park in January 2020
Cllr Angus Ross, a member of Friends of Heath Lake, said: “It’s fantastic to have been able to collaborate on such an important project. Heath Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, so it’s great to see that this site has been invested in for the local community.”
