Plan to help revitalise town's freshwater lake

Boats moored on the water at Hornsea Mere. There are trees in the background and the sky is blue with fluffy cloud.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Hornsea Mere faces a number of environmental challenges, including deteriorating water quality, according to Groundwork Yorkshire

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A grant to help revitalise Yorkshire's largest freshwater lake has been secured by a community and environmental charity.

Groundwork Yorkshire said Hornsea Mere, located within the Wassand Hall estate in East Yorkshire, faced a number of environmental challenges, including deteriorating water quality, invasive non-native species and recreational use.

It said the funding would be used to work with partners to develop an action plan for the entire catchment area, with practical conservation work planned, including the removal of invasive species.

The award is from the government's Water Restoration Fund, which offers grants for area specific water-related schemes.

The charity's regional operations director Peter Murphy said the lake was an important area for wildlife, especially waterfowl.

He added: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work collaboratively on the production of a development plan for the mere and its catchment, with a view to securing further funding to deliver meaningful and long-lasting changes."

As part of the project, community volunteers are also being encouraged to get involved.

The project team has set up a dedicated contact email, external for anyone who may be interested.

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