Waveney District Council has been working in partnership with Oulton Broad in Bloom to prepare Nicholas Everitt Park and its surroundings ready for the summer and improve the local environment.

Oulton Broad In Bloom conducted a litter pick of the reed beds that run alongside the park. The group provided the manpower and the Council supplied the equipment and assisted in the removal of litter that is blown across the Broad and collects in the reed bed.

Caroline Coe of Oulton Broad in Bloom was delighted with the result: “The event proved extremely worthwhile. We had a really impressive turnout of volunteers, including Waveney District Councillor, Sandra Keller. They all worked really hard to get the reed bed cleared of litter. Even the awful weather could not dent or dampen our enthusiasm.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers, as well as the Parks team for their assistance and the loan of equipment. We managed to achieve so much more than we had expected and we do hope that everybody notices the difference.”

Cllr Keller said: “It’s important that councilors get their hands dirty, almost literally! This was a really worthwhile exercise.”

Richard Hackney, Waveney District Council’s Principal Grounds Maintenance Manager, said: The Council’s Parks team is currently clearing the vegetation alongside the broad in Nicholas Everitt Park to open up the views and this seemed like the ideal time to tidy the area. We work closely with Oulton Broad in Bloom to ensure that we provide a beautiful environment for residents and visitors alike.

“We are getting ready for the summer across the park and the work of the volunteers tied in perfectly with the preparations. They have done a fantastic job and should be very proud of what they have achieved in just one day.”

The Council, in conjunction with both the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and Oulton Broad in Bloom has recently carried out an investigation into the quality of the ponds in the park. This work showed that the ponds have been affected by a large quantity of leaf litter and a lack of light due to overhanging trees and shrubs.

As a result, the ponds have been cleared out and their depth increased slightly. We have taken this opportunity to introduce shelving to support native marginal plants that will improve water quality and encourage wildlife. Grassy areas adjacent to the ponds will be allowed to grow longer to encourage amphibians.

Richard Hackney continued: “In the short term, the work will disturb the ponds, but it is our long-term aim to improve their bio-diversity and the surrounding area, as well as give clearer views and access to some of the park’s best assets.”

“We trust that visitors will accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused while we have been carrying out these projects. This a great opportunity to add value to the park and we believe everybody will appreciate the end result.”

If you are interested in getting involved with Oulton Broad in Bloom or the park, please contact the Parks section on 01502 523 470.