INCREASING risks to human health and a loss of wildlife has forced a trust to take action in Delamere.

The water quality at Hatchmere Lake has gone into decline in recent years, with high levels of nitrates, phosphates and ammonia leading to algal blooms.

The lake on the edge of Delamere Forest is a popular bathing spot, but the blooms which appeared during the summer sadly led to the tragic death of a dog which swam in the water.

And to combat this, Cheshire Wildlife Trust is to give the site a natural makeover in an attempt to get its wildlife back on track.

Naturally, nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates settle and are stored in the sediment of a lake.

On hot days during the summer, over 100 swimmers were regularly recorded entering the lake, which has disturbed the sediment and released the nutrients into the water.

This is in addition to other chemical inputs from inflatables, sun cream and urine introduce by swimmers, which has further polluted the water.

Over the coming winter, work will begin to try and address these issues and a decision has been made to forbid access to the lake for swimmers and bathers.

A decrease in the diversity of birds using the lake, an increase in litter and reports of anti-social behaviour have all reinforced the decision.

“The Trust fully acknowledges the cultural importance and history of the site for wild swimming,” said Cheshire Wildlife Trust chief executive Charlotte Harris.

“However, the protection of wildlife and the public on our nature reserves is our number one priority.”

Cheshire Wildlife Trust will also be making improvements to the viewing area on Delamere Road that is currently used to access the lake, making it an ideal and safe spot for picnics and bird watching.

Other plans include improvements to the circular footpath running through the nature reserve.