This is THE problem
The lake has a very complex ownership structure, but we have attempted to approximate what the ownership looks like in the chart below.
Many of the estates along the lake themselves have complex ownership structures with the ownership of houses and flats being separate from the surrounding land and lake. In addition many of the propeties in the estates are tenanted rather than owned by the resident.
The chart is not a land survey map, and does not show exactly where one boundary ends and the other begins, as some of the boundaries are on the south side of the lake, some are on the north, and some are in the middle!
What it does show is how difficult is will be to work with all the different landowners to repair the lake.
The Broadwater Conservation Society has been given permission by some of the landowners to try and fix breaches, to manage the vegetation on the banks, to erect signs and to try and raise awareness of the plight of the lake, but we are a small group of volunteers, so we need more help!
The Broad Vision
To create a beautiful natural habitat for plants and wildlife to thrive in, and a stunning, safe environment for everybody in Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames to enjoy – now and in the future.
Meet the BCS Members
Gary Festa
Chairman
Gary has lived and worked in Walton and Weybridge for over 30 years. A lover of the outdoors and keen walker, Gary is an enthusiastic advocate of the Society’s vision:
We’re passionate about this project – the Lake has such an incredibly rich history and is a beautiful, natural area for local people to enjoy. We’re on a mission to restore it as a haven for wildlife to flourish in, the whole community to make use of, and somewhere that will still be there for future generations.
Midge Connell
Secretary
Moving to Weybridge from the New Forest in 2021 to join family, Midge Connell and her husband were delighted to settle in Lakeside Grange within the historic Oatlands Estate sharing the peaceful tranquillity of Broadwater Lake.
Having realised the fragility of this precious natural amenity I wish to encourage nearby residents and the local community as a whole to contribute to and benefit from its preservation and enhancement.
Annie Connell
Society Member
Annie is a Weybridge resident, a former Green Party candidate and mother to a young daughter. She is passionate about supporting the natural environment and restoring the Lake as a sanctuary to birds, animals and plants that belong there
I love walking along the Lake path but it’s sad to see how much work is needed to make the water safe and healthy for the wildlife and for future generations. I would be devastated to think my daughter and her friends could grow up being unable to enjoy this beautiful space in their local area.
James Alexander
Society Member
James has lived in Oatlands for most of the last 60 years. As a child he was brought up in two of the estates backing onto Broadwater Lake but now resides a short, walking, distance away. He loves the circular route along the Lake and round Desborough Island, for the exercise and particularly for the nature.
"It is rare in Elmbridge to find much biodiversity but the Lake provides it, especially birdlife with so many different seasonal visitors as well as all-year round residents. It is vital the Lake's future is secured and the exceptional surroundings protected for the very special experience it provides for all local residents."