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15 Oct 07Fish Complete New-Look Bourne Valley Park
Abandoned sports fields have been transformed into a new green oasis for wildlife at the heart of a local community in Poole.
Work on a major two-year project at Borough of Poole's newly named Bourne Valley Park 
in Alderney was completed when hundreds of fish were introduced to a new freshwater lake on October 12.
Delivery of 500 carp and rudd from a fishery in Ipswich heralded the completion of the project, which has seen the former sports fields - formerly known as Alderney Rec - transformed into a new public green space.
The park, north of Herbert Avenue, is situated in one of Poole's most densely populated areas and will provide a new home for a variety of wild plants and animals.
The £176,000 project has been developed as a partnership between Borough of Poole, Wessex Water , the Environment Agency and Biffaward - an environment fund supported by landfill tax credits.
The fishing lake at Bourne Valley Park is intended to introduce local young people to angling and give them an opportunity to learn and develop their skills alongside their peers.
The lake is fed by natural springs, groundwater and rainwater. Two submerged islands in the lake will provide a refuge for fish.
Cllr Tony Trent, ward member for Alderney, said: "This is a wonderful scheme which is very much along the lines of residents suggestions back in 2002. A lot of agencies have been involved, but particular credit should go to the Bourne Stream Partnership. We look forward to it maturing to its full potential and enjoying it. This proves the worth of partnership working."
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "This project has made a valuable and quite unique contribution to one of the largest open spaces in Poole, changing its use for local people and enhancing it for wildlife. If it wasn't for the enthusiasm of local residents and ward councillors, and the willingness of the funding partners to take on something really different, this site would never have achieved its full potential."
Extensive earthworks and landscaping have transformed the park, providing a range of habitats, including a wild flower meadow. An open stream has also been reinstated by Wessex Water using "soft engineering" techniques. During heavy rainfall, the stream acts as a storm water detention basin. The sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) offers an alternative approach to traditional drainage using natural processes to reduce flash flooding and improve water quality.
Allan Frake, Technical Specialist for the Environment Agency, which funded the development and stocking of the lake, said: "The Environment Agency is very keen to promote angling as a healthy outdoor activity and was delighted to work with the partnership in providing angling facilities, particularly for youngsters, and looks forward to having coaching sessions so that they can not only learn how to catch and handle fish properly, but learn about the aquatic environment as well."
Martin Bettington, Chairman of Biffaward, said: "It is critically important for communities to have access to outdoor spaces, and this project marks a serious investment by all involved in the area's future. Biffaward is delighted to support such a worthwhile scheme, and I hope that it will be enjoyed for generations to come."
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