Proposed Work of Cheethams Mill Lodge

Phase 1 ACCESS ROAD

To gain access to the top end of the lake an access road needs to be installed which is suitable for wagons that can remove heaps of existing silt from past de-silting attempts. This access road will be 3m wide 90m long 200mm deep needing approx 140 tons of hardcore.

Phase 2 MOUND OF EXISTING SILT TO BE REMOVED

At the top end of the lake there is a huge mound of silt from past attempts of de-silting, our plans are remove this mound for agricultural use. And on the cleared site this will allow a retaining walled lagoon to be installed for the new silt to be place in.

Phase 3 SEDIMENT TRAP TO BE INSTALLED

Past attempts to entrap sediment being washed down from up high in the valley proved to be inadequate. With consultation with the E.A. a new more efficient sediment trap has been approved and planned for. With a regular maintenance program followed, further sediment build up will be reduced to a minimum.

Phase 4 CONSTRUCTION OF SILT RETAING LAGOON

As mentioned in Phase2 the construction of a retaining walled lagoon is to be installed. This measure has prove necessary as of the previous de-silting operations resulted in unrestrained silt being washed back in the lodge. On dehydration the silt, which will have reduced in volume greatly, could be put to agricultural use as its predecessor.

Phase 5 FISH REMOVAL PRIOR TO LAKE DRAINING

Consultation and prior experience has told us that effective de-silting to be achieved the lake needs to be drained down. To accomplish this a section 28 fish removal licence will be obtained and the stock to be held at an approved fish farm before returning to their new home.

Phase 6 DRAINING THE LAKE

Draining the lake meets two goals. Goal one will make access to the silt and sediment far easier than if it was under water. Goal two allows the deposits to dehydrate somewhat which lowers the amount of material that needs to be moved. Our Victorian engineers foresaw the need to drain down and installed sluice gates for this purpose. We look to following in their footsteps and opening the gate.

Phase 7 CREATION OF A RETAINING BANK AGAINST BANK EROSION

On the West bank access is limited due to having only a narrow path along it. Past path have eroded and slipped into the lodge. Our plans are to create a new retaining bank that reaches 3m out from the water's edge now. This new bank will be in-filled with de-silted materials and planted up creating a wildlife haven. New fishing stages will be spaced along the west bank.

Phase 8 CREATING 28 NEW FISHING PLATFORMS

At present the stations used for fishing are not suitable for able or disabled persons. We plan to create up to 28 new stations with a mindset for accommodating anglers of all abilities. A platform has been purposely designed to allow anglers who use wheelchairs to gain much easier access and make the most of a truly beautiful location.

Phase 9 CREATING SUITABLE ACCESS PATHWAYS AROUND THE LAKE.

To gain access around the lodge and with links to upper Acres Brook we plan to create pathways of 1.5m in width.

Phase 10 MARGIN PLANTING AND ECO FLOATING ISLANDS

Description: Native wetland plants grown in coir fibre rolls and pallets.
Use: Fibre Rolls with well established plants provide immediate protection against the erosion of banks at the water line. Plant pallets are laid to provide immediate vegetation above the water line.

Phase 11 USE OF THE STONE LODGE

Plans are being made to transform the lodge's stone lodge into an accommodation that is suitable for storage and teaching facilities. We envisage being host to numerous visits mainly from surrounding schools and wish to welcome them into an establishment that will enhance their curiosity and appreciation of nature on their doorstep.