Management Objectives for Kit’s Lake
The long-term management objective and vision for Kit’s Lake is to provide a peaceful space, in honour of Kit Hesketh Harvey’s legacy, that supports both nature conservation and spiritual reflection. This will be delivered through a rolling five-year management plan, the first of which was developed in February 2025 in consultation with Natural England.
Kit’s Lake is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and therefore falls under Natural England’s oversight. In 2023, a study commissioned by Natural England recorded 91 bird species at the site, including nightingales, which appear on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) “Red List” due to urgent threats from population decline and habitat loss. Kit’s Lake also supports Operation Turtle Dove, a national conservation initiative led by Natural England, the RSPB, and partners, aimed at restoring breeding habitats for Turtle Doves, whose UK population has declined by 99% since 1967.
What does the management plan spell out? The management strategy for the site is to ensure that Kit’s Lake is protected from harm and disturbances, both so that wildlife is protected, and that responsible visitors can enjoy the protected areas of the reserves. In particular, the management plan outlines the following priorities for year one:
1. Defining permitted and unpermitted activities. Responsible members of the public – including naturalists, historians, schoolchildren – have for years enjoyed the extraordinary nature around Kit’s Lake. This is very much welcomed. However, certain recreational activities could pose a risk to the lake's delicate natural ecosystem and will therefore be prohibited. These include: barbeques, picnics, fishing, littering, playing loud music, and parties. Information boards will be installed to outline these rules and clarify permitted activities, and inform the public of possible liability for violations.
2. Fencing and access along Springhead Lane. Natural England advised that fencing would help reduce potential disturbance to Kit’s Lake. It is therefore proposed to install stock proof fencing (or similar), or dead hedging, on the lake side bordering Springhead Lane. A “kissing gate” could also be placed to limit access to pedestrians only (this would prevent unwanted dumping of shopping trolleys into the lake as has happened in the past). It is also proposed that the current informal access into the site along the length of Springhead Lane is stopped by installing a fence, with access points leading to the existing path along the southern woodland, creating a looped route that connects to and from Springhead Lane. The north and west sides of the woodland would remain private.
3. Engaging with Ely Wildspace. In addition to continued engagement with Natural England, the plan proposes a collaboration with Ely Wildspace and their volunteers. Their assistance in erecting a deadwood fence along Springhead Lane would provide birds with a habitat and discourage the use of the banks for disruptive purposes.
4. Scrub clearance along the northern bank (adjacent to geological SSSI and Kiln Lane). Following formal approval from Natural England, limited scrub clearance (under 0.23 hectares) will take place, including coppicing and removing bramble, non-native shrubs (e.g., Cotoneaster), and selected native saplings.
5. Looking ahead to years two to five: strengthening community engagement. Annual progress meetings with Natural England and relevant bodies will review achievements and approve future plans. Priorities include strengthening community engagement. This involves developing partnerships with youth groups and schools to use Kit’s Lake as a site for outdoor education, and maintaining active links with Ely Wildspace to support communications and keep the website regularly updated with news of planned and completed works.