THIS unusual Harvester boat has been out on Poole Park Lake in a bid to combat the stink caused by rotting weeds and algae.

Although recent weather has caused the weeds to be less visible than in previous years, it remains under the surface of the 40-acre saltwater lake and has been interfering with boating activities.

Removing as much weed now helps reduce the 'unpleasant odour' released when it starts to decompose, experts say.

This year Bournemouth University has teamed up with Borough of Poole (BOP) on a research project to monitor water quality - a project linked to the £2.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund park improvement bid.

Data collated from the Harvester will complement this ongoing work to find out what factors affect the lake, with the aim of improving it for people and wildlife in the future.

Martin Whitchurch, project manager at BOP, said: "It is really important that we fully understand the issues that affect Poole Park Lake including the quality of the water entering the lake from overflow pipes in the surrounding area.

"Only then can we identify an effective range of management options to enhance the general health of the lake."

BOP is unable to treat the lake with chemicals to kill the weeds because of environmental legislation, so it employs the harvester as part of a range of measures to help manage the situation.

In the past the smell has become so bad some members of the public put off park visits until the odour had passed.

Mr Whitchurch wants park regulars to help monitor the lake. He said: "Local people can play their part by posting their photos and observations of the lake on our facebook page (Poole Park Lakes - Public Engagement with Science) or come along to a public event 'Get Hands on in the lake' on Monday September 28."

During this event, scheduled for 4-7pm, local people can climb into the lake while it is being drained to assist the research team.

The research team will be litter picking, carrying out sediment sampling and looking at what lives in the lake.