Save the Canvey Lake - Aeration and Working Group

Hi, my name is Rob Turner. I have the pleasure of being involved with the ownership of Kings Park Village, on Canvey.

During the past few years, during Covid we got heavily involved in activities and events that brought people together. It always struck me that the level of community spirit in the area was strong.

The company I work for has committed to finding opportunities in the local areas that we own property, to enhance and support the local people. We do this in many different ways and try to have a positive impact in the area, offering help, support, and consultation, for free.

I led a project on environmental best practice in 2019 that was eventually 'published' and went onto win the top awards on the world stage.

I am also a big fan of wildlife and the environment, and the issue we are trying to deal with, affects a lot of animals that cannot speak up for themselves.

I am only explaining the above because I wanted to add some credibility to the request. Essentially we, as the friends of Canvey Lake, are asking you for some money to help save the habitat.

We have a massive problem with the Canvey Lake. It is slowly dying and without immediate intervention, will very soon, if not this summer, cease to function as a safe haven for wildlife.

I am sure by now you are all aware of the conditions. This crowdfunding is aimed at delivering 2 things.

1. A permanent solution to the lack of oxygen in the water, caused by weather, and poor physical conditions. We achieved this after only 2 days of fundraising.

2. A voluntary working group set up to help support and develop a management plan for the lake, with council support.

I have started the process of Stage 1.

We have pre-funded the first 2 aeration units. This work will commence tomorrow (13th August) to prevent the upcoming storm from killing more wildlife. This initial outlay equates to around £4,00 and I am covering this cost up front for the first £2,500.00

We need to try and raise enough money to fund the 2 aeration units, provide some funding for the running / maintenance costs.

The lake is so substantial, that it could easily require 4 or 5 units. but we need to be realistic and the depth of water does not allow high-end, high-volume units to be placed in the lake.

The system I have selected is designed for shallow water.

Any surplus funds that are raised would be either passed over to an independent group formed by the local community if that could be established, or donated to a charity of your choosing ( we will offer by public vote ). it's important we are clear that we will not retain any surplus funds.

We 'could' establish a bird feeding program that uses proper feed for the birds and educates children on how to support their environment. This is a lot of the work I have done previously working with schools and groups to provide education and knowledge on enhancing the green environment. we could approach and build something with the local schools if this was fully supported.

The current plan will possibly be to gift the ownership of the equipment to the Hotel, conditional on it being maintained and used for the wildlife, annually.

Ideally a working group of volunteers could / should be formed to ensure the council is tasked with managing the lake and keeping it in good condition. DEFRA and the EA should be consulted on how best this can be achieved, and everyone to understand their responsibilities.

We can ponder and argue about who should be doing what at a later date, once the water is at least stabilised. That buys us time to figure everything else out.

No matter how big or small your donation, you will be directly helping the wildlife in the lake.

Apart from the fees that are taken by setting this up, all proceeds go towards the work. All the time and labour from all the various help is being provided free of charge.

Please help us try and save the lake - for the insects, the birds, the mammals, and fish, it's their home.