A THREE-year project to restore Millbrook Lake and enhance it as a habitat for wildlife has been brought to completion.

Lottery funding of almost £50,000 has enabled the Millbrook Lake Conservation Group and the parish council to finish the final phase of the works, which included the complete restoration of the lake's island.

A day of celebration saw local schoolchildren plant trees and take part in a guided walk around the lake.

Previous regeneration work has included path upgrades and the building of a kingfisher nesting bank.

Now, in the final phase of the project, the seriously-eroded island has been restored, interpretation boards installed, and nesting boxes for bats and birds erected.

More than 300 native trees and shrubs have also been planted, said chairman of Millbrook Lake Conservation Group Bruce Taggart.

'We chose a variety of species that are typical of wetland habitats, including willow, alder, geulder rose and hazel,' he said.

'One area of planting will provide a wildlife corridor and a hedge. Other trees near the water's edge will stabilise the bank and provide fishing perches for kingfishers.'

The repair of the island posed a challenge. First the lake was drained and tracking laid to enable access for plant machinery, then more than 350 tons of rock was used in 'rock mattresses' by contractors Teignmouth Maritime Services to stabilise the structure.

Difficult access, brackish water and the effects of wind and waves were all hurdles to be overcome, but Mr Taggart said that the conservation group were more than happy with the outcome.

'It has taken over three years to reach this point and I'm very pleased with the result,' he said.

'The contractors were excellent and the birds have taken quickly to the new enlarged island.

'In the spring we'll plant it with a variety of wetland plants to provide cover for breeding ducks and swans.'

Paintings by Devon artist Mike Langman feature on new boards around the lake, telling people about the trees and birdlife to be found.

'The nesting boxes should attract a variety of bird species – there are different designs for tawny owls, jackdaws, blue tits and great tits,' Mr Taggart added.

'None of this would have been possible without the Community Spaces funding. It has enabled us to complete a project that benefits the local wildlife and has enhanced the enjoyment of the lake by the local community.'

Further support was given to the scheme by the parish council and the Cornwall Birdwatching and Preservation Society.