Out & About

Clumber drains the Lake

Work started in the autumn when it was decided that water needed to be drained into nearby rivers from the lake so that urgent conservation work could be carried out.  This included bank repairs, dredging and regrading.

The work was necessary because of coal mining that has been carried out beneath the park at various intervals over the past 70 years.  Nowadays UK Coal mines just 850 metres (2,790 feet ) beneath the park

An environmental impact survey was carried out in advance of the work to ensure minimum impact of the park's large wildlife population.  There is still sufficient water remaining for the fish to survive, but there is no fishing allowed at the moment.

Probably the most interesting sight is the charred remains of 'The Lincoln', the boat the 4th Duke kept on the lake.  (A picture of this is in the booklet 'Georgiana' - see  Booklets )

This one-third scale frigate was bought in 1871, and the Duke employed a sailor, and each year bought a load of coal, in order to keep her sailing on the lake.  Sadly during the 1940s children set the boat alight, and the remains were sunk in the lake.  Glimpses are occasionally seen during summer droughts, but at the moment the hull is clearly visible.  It is being continuously sprayed to prevent deterioration.

The area to the north of the causeway is the most altered by the drainage

However, it is already possible to see some of the work being carried out on the banks

The work is being being carried out by contractors appointed by UK Coal, who are also paying all costs.

It is hoped the work will be completed by September 2005 and that it will ensure that the park is conserved for future generations.

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