SEVERAL fish were found dead after a pond dried up at a country park in Poole. 

Grove Lake in Upton Country Park dried up following the high temperatures during the unprecedented heatwave. 

One woman, out walking with her husband, said she could see “eight or nine dead carp” at the side of the pond. 

“It was such a sad sight,” she added. 

Bournemouth Echo: Most of Grove Lake at Upton Park has dried upMost of Grove Lake at Upton Park has dried up

David Grimstead, a visitor at Upton Park, claims he saw 10 carp lying dead on their side.

He added: “The water is now only about two inches deep now; all the water has gone because of the heat. 

“I think the lake is on its last legs – it's all dried up. Sadly, the fish have met their maker. The terrible drought we are having has finished them off."

Mr Grimstead said the council should have ensured the issue was managed. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Mrs Sandy said it is “absolutely disgusting and appalling” the way the fish have been left to die, adding: “They’ve been cutting the trees down, but they’ve been neglecting the fish.” 

A ranger at the park told the Echo the carp which used to live in the pond were never supposed to be there in the first place.

She said: “Some people, probably fisherman, came along one day and put some carp in the pond. 

“Some of the dead fish have been removed by the rangers, but some have also been eaten by wildlife – herons or foxes, usually.” 

The ranger added there is no quick fix to refill the pond as it's a job for nature.

“Something like this has never happened before, so we will have to wait for the rain to come and refill the pond. 

Bournemouth Echo: Volunteers were seen last week removing parrot's-feather plantsVolunteers were seen last week removing parrot's-feather plants

“To be honest, it’s done us a favour. The fish were never supposed to be there in the first place.” 

The reduced water level has revealed some parrot’s-feather plants which is being removed by volunteers. 

Parrot’s feather is a non-native plant which grows in aquatic habitats and will choke water bodies and out-compete native vegetation, blocking light and altering patterns of flow. 

The Daily Echo contacted BCP Council which is responsible for Upton Country Park for a comment.