I am one of the Friends of the Tarn. We are doing a sponsored run/walk (I'm walking not running; bad knees) round the Tarn. 20 laps of the Tarn equals 5 miles. We are a voluntary group and we give our free time to maintain the gardens. We also fund raise all year round by holding events. The money I raise will go towards our goal which is ....

To dredge the lake, rebuild the surrounding walls and sluice gate. Thereby raising the water levels and stopping the water escaping from the lake. We also want to instigate a filtration system to filter out poison run-off from the nearby roads.

By doing this we will be improving the environment for the wildfowl that swim on the lake. We also wish to make it a more pleasant experience for visitors which come to feed the ducks and squirrels.

We are hoping to improve the water quality of the lake which due to the condition it’s in at the moment, has led to outbreaks of botulism, (which is a very agonizing way to die), over 100 wildfowl died. This was particularly distressing as it was the breeding season and the majority of the young died. .The condition is also exasperated as the level of the water in the lake is very shallow due to the condition of the surrounding walls and build- up of silt. The lake isn't helped as the run of off the nearby roads also enters the lake causing a build -up of toxic chemicals. When the weather starts to improve and gets hotter the lake does start to smell.

This matters to us as a group, it’s very upsetting to see sick and dying wildfowl, and not able to help them. It is also distressing and disturbing for our young visitors who have come to feed them.

The Tarn is a popular lake and landscaped park enjoyed by the residents both young and old. Local schools, guides and scout troops also enjoy coming to the Tarn. It is an oasis of calm in an otherwise built up area where many do not have access to an outdoor space.

Thanks for reading my story.