Visitors to a popular Nottingham beauty spot have been left "shocked" after finding dead fish on the bank of the lake. Those taking a trip to Highfields Park, have spotted a number of dead fish which are creating a "disgusting" smell at the site.
The park sits next to the University Park Campus for the University of Nottingham but is under the control of Nottingham City Council. It is one of Nottingham's most popular green spots, with an ice cream shop on site.
But the appearance of the dead animals has cast a shadow over some people's visits. Gemma Hemsley, a 34-year-old hairdresser currently on maternity leave took a trip to Highfield Park on Monday, June 19, when she noticed the issue.
She said: "I go there a lot so it was really shocking to me. As we walked down to go see where the boats are, there was an awful smell - it was disgusting.
"I don't know if it was because of the heat. I literally just looked where you got on the boats, and that's when I saw them. I've never seen anything like that before.
"It's a really nice place that people go and visit usually, you can do watersports and crazy golfing - it's sad to see."
"There's just all sorts washed up at the side - it's awful - it's sad."
The City Council’s Head of Green Space and Natural Environment, Eddie Curry, said: “We understand that it is upsetting for people coming across distressed and dead fish.
"Unfortunately this is a natural event happening all over the country caused by high temperatures and low atmospheric pressure as a result of thunderstorms, which creates very low oxygen levels in the water. We are in dialogue with the Environment Agency but are sadly limited in what we can do.
"Where possible we will endeavour to clear dead fish from the edge of any of our lakes where this is happening. Members of the public who spot fish in distress should report this to the Environment Agency 24-hour service incident hotline 0800 80 70 60.”
An Environment Agency spokesperson added: “Summer can see Environment Agency staff responding to many reports of fish in distress. Water naturally carries less oxygen during hot dry spells and prolonged warm dry weather can affect fish in rivers, canals and still waters.
“Intense summer rainstorms, particularly after a period of prolonged warm weather, will inevitably wash material into watercourses which has built up on roads and in gullies and drainage systems. Once in a watercourse, this material will further deplete the water of oxygen, and can lead to serious fish mortalities.
"Where these watercourses are already vulnerable because of elevated water temperatures and lower flows, these impacts can be amplified. We are currently assessing each report to see what action can be taken and are providing advice as required.
“Our teams are monitoring the watercourses and our Fisheries Officers are providing remediation advice to fishery owners. The Canal and River Trust has deployed fisheries contractors to undertake aeration activities on affected canals."
