In recent years, a number of issues have been raised by local residents and other users of the lake who have expressed concern about its management and threats to its future as an amenity. 

These concerns include the increased usage of the lake which is having an effect on the environment, a deterioration in the quality of the water, the growth of weed and the lake becoming shallower due to silting.

Silting

Up until a few years ago, the weir sluice gates were opened at least once each year allowing the lake to be drained and to become fully tidal allowing natural scouring of the bed.

The gradual erosion of the mud islands and possibly some of the banks is resulting in the lake silting up. This has been particularly noticed by members of St Mary's Junior Sailing Club who regularly sail dinghies with fixed dagger boards which now ground in parts of the lake where they used to sail without grounding. The area to the north of the club and the mud islands is now a particular problem.

This continuous silting without regular sluicing must be reducing the volume of water within the lake.

Our councillor Philip Rafaelli has had meetings with GBC about the ongoing issue with the sluice gates and GBC are now drawing up a work specification to investigate and assess the weir for possible repair. The missing key has been located along with the original planning drawings. A suggested timeline is a four week tender period from the end of July 2024 with a contractor appointed thereafter.

Popularity

In peak summer months, the popularity of inflatable paddle boards and canoes has resulted in a greater number of cars being parked along Little Anglesey Road with many driving through the water at high tide.

Traffic and parking in Little Anglesey Road is becoming a serious issue. At times, the road is almost impassable with cars parked on both sides, paddle boards and canoes being prepared and children running across the road without regard to passing traffic. Debris and other rubbish from these activities is finding its way into the water together with possible other contaminates such as brake dust and oil.

Residents living nearby have expressed concerned about the increased and uncontrolled use of the lake over the last few years. They believe that the increased usage and the lack of maintenan by the authorities may have affected the ecosystem of the lake witha negative impact on wildlife.

Typical weekend afternoons in 2021 and 2022.

Wildlife

Apart from the fish, a variety of wildlife enjoys the lake in particular the resident swans who have only successfully produced young once in the past number of years, their favourite nesting spot being the islands. And, rarely, this seal who unfortunatley did not survive.

Other Issues

There have been incidents of bonfires on the southern foreshore. Smoke and debris from these drift across and into the laken potentially damaging to the sensitive nature of the water. Pieces of charcoal and ashes have been discovered on the foreshore and seen floating in the water and large bonfire heaps on the foreshore will also ultimately end up in the lake at high water.

Upon raising this issue with Natural England, we were advised that, due to the SSSI and SPA designations, bonfires are not permitted as they are potentially damaging to the sensitive nature of the rare lagoon habitat. Gosport Borough Council agreed to engage with residents and it does not appear to have been an issue since.