Project

Stackpole Estate Lakes Project

Last updated:: 23 October 2024

Aerial image showing Sparganium growth at the Stackpole Estate Lakes. — Aerial image showing Sparganium at the Stackpole Lakes | © James Dobson

The Stackpole Estate lakes are of European importance for nature conservation with a diverse environment that includes a national forest of Wales, dunes, limestone cliffs and beaches.

The Stackpole Lakes, also known as the Bosherston Lily ponds are part of the Stackpole Estate. The estate located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park covers an area of approximately 2000 acres. The estate is made up of a diverse landscape including a large man-made freshwater lake system, woodlands, dunes, limestone cliffs and beaches.

Much of the landscape is of European importance for nature conservation as demonstrated by its designations which include a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Special Protection Area (SPA), a National Nature Reserve (NNR) and three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The lakes also form part of the National Nature Reserve (NNR) managed in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Special Area of Conservation (SAC), often regarded as one of the most important in Wales. Additionally in January 2024 the woodland has been granted the first forest of Wales status.The Stackpole Lakes are also recognised as Grade 1 in the CADW/ICOMOS Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales.

Few places in the UK contain such a variety of habitats and wildlife in such a relatively small area that is not a pay for entry site, allowing people free access to an environment where they can enjoy peace and tranquillity. The Estate attracts around 500,000-day visitors annually and is popular with walkers and, beach goers visiting the world famous Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven South. It also attracts a wide range of specialists from naturalists and geologists to climbers, anglers, runners, and surfers. Due to its proximity to both Stackpole and Bosherston villages, the estate is also a prized local amenity that is much loved and used daily.

The parks, gardens, lakes and woodlands were developed and improved to create a sophisticated and beautiful ornamental landscape on a huge scale. At its zenith Stackpole would have rivalled some of the best estates in Britain with strategically placed walks, bridges, weirs and grottos all complemented by thoughtful and innovative planting.

A quote by CadwCadw Welsh government's historic environment service.

Aerial photograph of Stackpole Lakes — Stackpole Lakes from the air | © James Dobson

Background

Over the past century silt deposits have gradually been increasing in the upper eastern arm of the lakes, and this has become more noticeable over the past decade as the lakes have become shallower. This has resulted in a loss of open water habitat and an increasing encroachment of aquatic plant species like burr weed.

Climate change and silting are resulting in reduced water levels in the summer and the subsequent reduction in oxygen in the water creates the perfect conditions for cyanobacteria (Blue green algae), to flourish, an event we are increasingly seeing every year.

Whilst in winter more frequent storms, creating higher than usual water levels, is increasing sediment and the flooding of access routes across the estate.
The National Trust has been monitoring and attempting to solve this problem over the years, but there is daily evidence that the lakes and surrounding woodland are struggling to deal with changes in the environment at such an exacerbated rate. This in turn is affecting residents and visitors access and experience.

The Project

This project aims to identify a long-term, sustainable solution for the Stackpole lakes, and is currently in the feasibility stage. This project presents an opportunity to work with our local community, visitors, as well as a wealth of experts collectively to develop an approach to sustainably conserve, manage and increase understanding of Stackpole in the long term.

Participate in the Stackpole Lakes Project survey

Participate in this quick survey facilitated by Pobl Tir Môr to help create a shared vision for the future of the Stackpole Lakes. Your views on what you think makes the Stackpole Lakes special are important. Stackpole Lakes Project Survey

Feasibility Timeline

The detail in the timeline below is an indicative timeline for works/activities during the feasibility stage of this project
July – October

Our aim is to work with experts (internal and external to NT) to identify and develop potential management solutions to support the project. Concurrently an external 3rd party will be appointed to engage with community and key stakeholders.

October – onwards
From October we will begin to review information and feedback and consider the options and solutions that have been revealed through expert advice and comments from the community engagement. This will help us to develop a vision for the Stackpole lakes which will be shared with stakeholders for input.

This page will be regularly updated with the latest developments. To find out more about the status of the project please watch our social media pages as well as this page for further information.

The Stackpole Estate Lakes timeline

January 2025

Welcome Rebecca Evans

We are delighted to announce and introduce our new Community &Participation Project Officer Rebecca Evans. She has lived in Pembroke for the last 20 years, and loves the outdoors including swimming, walking, running and playing on the Stackpole Estate with family and friends. “ Stackpole holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited about working with the local community on this project to ensure the best for nature and for people for many more years to come.”