Home / Environment / Dorset Council Tackles Weed and Silt Issues at Radipole Lake
Dorset Council Tackles Weed and Silt Issues at Radipole Lake
19 Oct
Summary
- Radipole Lake to have weeds and reeds removed to improve water flow
- Ongoing issues with low water levels, silt buildup, and algal blooms
- Work to make fishing areas usable for local angling society
On October 19, 2025, Dorset Council announced plans to clear out excessive weeds and reeds from Radipole Lake, a nature reserve, in an effort to improve the flow of water. The lake has been facing ongoing issues with low water levels, silt buildup, and algal blooms, partly due to agricultural runoff and slowed river flow.
The work, which is being carried out by the RSPB, is set to begin on October 20, 2025, with submerged reed cutting along the length of the channel leading into the lake scheduled for the week starting October 27, 2025. The council hopes that by removing the abundant weeds and reeds from several spots on the lake, it will also make the allocated fishing areas usable for members of the Radipole Lake Angling Society (RLAS).
Radipole Lake, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) spanning 83 hectares, is home to a range of wildlife, including bearded tits, kingfishers, otters, and water voles. The lake is overseen by Dorset Council and the RSPB, and Natural England is currently conducting a two-year review of the lake's SSSI status. The Environment Agency is also studying farming practices that could be investigated to reduce nutrient and silt runoff ending up in the River Wey.
