Moves To Protect Sandown’s ‘Much-Loved’ Boating Lake

Sandown’s iconic boating lake could be safeguarded for the future, as town councillors consider moves to give it special protected status.

Cllr Ian Boyd has proposed that the lake — which has been a community attraction since 1930 — be nominated as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The move would ensure local people have the chance to buy it if the owners ever chose to sell.

He is also calling for the lake and its margins to be included within the boundaries of the Sandown Levels Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), recognising its environmental value.

The proposals come just weeks after a huge community effort saved wildlife at the site, when critically low summer water levels left the lake in danger.

Volunteers, with the help of local businesses, poured thousands of litres of water into the lake to protect its fragile ecosystem.

Cllr Boyd described the boating lake as “a living symbol of collective pride, care and connection,” adding that protecting its history, ecology and community role was vital for the town.

Sandown Town Council will debate the proposals at its meeting on Monday evening (7pm) at The Broadway Centre.