Weed and silt build up over the last ten+ years has increased significantly most noticeably in recent years exacerbated by warm weather in the spring. It has reached the stage whereby activities by the sailing club in particular are becoming seriously impaired. There is only now a narrow channel to the club beach, the areas to east and west becoming clogged, something that used to be a problem for a couple of weeks in May but is now a problem extending into the summer.

The local authority periodically clears the road of weed but much of the vegetation on the south bank remains covered with weed which rots to form an unpleasant smelly environment that attracts flies. The bank is also left without vegetation to hold it together which could also be leading to the silting problem.

There is a view that part of the cause of excessive weed and algae growth is excess nutrients and pollution, one possible source being horse manure and urine from the horse field adjoining the sailing club.

In May 2024, we are pleased to report that GBC has responded to requests to engage the the contractor  employed at the Cockle Pond to clear the weed from Stoke Lake and it is hoped that this will become a regular event.