Learn more about £2.9million lottery plans for Poole Park

As part of the first round of funding, Borough of Poole was awarded £280,000 to carry out a range of work over a two year period. This includes a detailed research and monitoring project on the lakes as well as creating conservation and maintenance plans for future years.

Martin Whitchurch, project manager, Borough of Poole said: "We still have a long way to go before we are ready to submit our second stage bid at the end of next year. We are keen for local people to get involved with the Poole Park Life project and the upcoming events are the ideal opportunity to do just that.

“We would like to talk to people about why we are researching the lake and our plans for looking after the park in the long term for future generations to enjoy. Public feedback will help us shape our bid to receive £2.9 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out improvements to the park."

The next public event takes place on Wednesday (September 23) at the Poole Park pavilion between 7pm and 9pm. The Managing Poole Park event will enable local people to say what they feel should be included in the management and maintenance plan, which will set out how the Victorian park should be looked after in a day-to-day basis for the next 10-15 years.

On Monday September 28 residents will be able to help the Bournemouth University research team while the lake is being drained, carry our sediment sampling, look at what lives in the lake and litter picking from 4pm to 7pm.

Michael Collins, vice-chairman of the Friends of Poole Park said: "This is a pivotal time for the bid, and we'd ask all members to see how they can help and, of course, welcome new members. We have some very interesting news coming up soon that could showcase the park as a venue for events that will be very important for the bid, for Dorset, and internationally."

For more information go to facebook.com/pooleprojects or pooleprojects.net.