Lichfield District Council’s park rangers braved the wet weather, on Monday 21 February 2011, to build up Stowe Pool’s four floating islands.
Setting sail in their boat, the rangers built up the islands using recycled materials. This included used tyres, to make sure the islands stay afloat. Dogwood and willow whips, leaves, turf and grass were then added to the base, to provide cover for the birds.
Refreshing the wildfowl islands takes place at this time each year, so they are ready for the birds to build their nests on later in the spring.
Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “The islands are popular with birds each year, attracting various species of wildfowl, including swans, moorhens, coots and grebes, among others, which use them to keep their nests safe, away from the shore.”
The park rangers will monitor the wildfowl islands throughout the year.
