Heritage, Lakes and Valley Project
The Heritage Lakes and Valley fundraising project designed to enhance Keele University’s 617-acre campus and historic estate. It is not simply a restoration project, but aims to assist with the maintenance, improvement and development of Keele's woodland, parkland, gardens and heritage features.
Currently focus is being given to restoring the Keele Lakes near Keele Hall which are a beautiful and integral part of the Keele Campus landscape and an important aspect of the student experience.
The main elements of the work include:
- The removal of dead wood and dangerous tress in the vicinity of the paths round the lakes
- The dredging and de silting of the top lake and the repair of the leaking dams
- Repairing the weir so that sufficient water is held to maintaining the integrity of the lakes
- The installation of two settling tanks up stream of the lakes to prevent future silting up of the lakes
- The reinstatement of the paths around the lakes
This work is fundamental to the improvement of the drainage as well as the ornamental function of the lake system.
Wrekin Construction Company Limited commenced the restoration works in October 2008. Repairs to the main lake and to the weir are now complete. Landscaping and work on the footpaths is due to commence March 2009 and be completed summer 2009.
The Heritage Lake and Valley Project links to Keele’s developmental themes of environmental sustainability. (See the Keele Sustainability Hub web site) A crucial feature of our environmental agenda is 'the whole experience' for the Keele community. The University grounds provide important wildlife habitats, reservoirs for hydro energy generation, and carefully designed access through paths that form part of a 'green gym' extending across the campus.