Radipole Lake to be cleared of algae after bird death

Dorset Council says the green film of algae - which has been covering part of the Swannery area in Weymouth's Radipole Lake for weeks due to the hot weather - will be removed from Monday.

It comes after complaints about the appearance and smell - with visitors saying it could put people off the town.

Dorset Council did not respond to the Echo's article on Wednesday - but has since put out a statement on social media saying the 'unsightly' algae bloom will be cleared. It stressed the bloom was not harmful.

Meanwhile, the Echo has been told a herring gull had to be put down after getting trapped.

Trapped gull (Image: Derek Davey)

The bird was taken into the care of Derek Davey, 65, who has been rescuing gulls for more than 25 years.

Mr Davey said: “The bird was drowning because it was stuck in the algae and because there is so much of it, they can’t take off.

Rescued gull (Image: Derek Davey)

“The carpet of algae is now so dense any bird landing on the bloom is in danger of becoming trapped.”

He said the birds coming into contact with the algae are a ‘gooey mess,’ and he has had five gulls come into his care in the past five days.

Stuck gull (Image: Derek Davey)

He added: “The problem is that the algae doesn’t go away, it sinks to the bottom and suffocates anything.

“The main problem, however, is the amount of chemicals that end up in the lake because fertilizers and manure get washed into the rivers and end up in the water that way. It’s so high in nutrients that the algae grows.”

Algae in Radipole Lake (Image: Derek Davey)

Mr Davey called for action, stating: “It’s horrific and something needs to be done. The number of birds in the lake now compared to 10 years ago is down.

“The whole situation needs to be looked at.”

Trapped gull (Image: Derek Davey)

Earlier this month, several gulls were found dead on top of the algae.

Following an investigation by Dorset Council it was revealed the bloom is not toxic and was not responsible for killing wildlife.

Rescued gull (Image: Derek Davey)

The council said in a statement on Thursday: “The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has determined that the algae bloom at Radipole Lake is not harmful and water quality levels are normal. The bloom, although unsightly, is a natural occurrence this time of year.

“A specialist water quality and environment contractor will be on site from Monday, August 5, or earlier if their schedule allows, with a team of four people to fully clear and safely dispose of the algae. This is expected to take 4-5 days.”