Will this be a record season for ducks?

The great lake at Burghley House meanders in a lazy fashion through the grounds of Burghley Park, and covers 25 acres. Designed by Capability Brown, it was hand dug and became the striking focal point for many of the Park’s vistas. However, over 200 years the build up of silt had caused the lake to become stagnant and unhealthy. Action was required, and after an extensive dredging programme lasting six years, the lake has been restored to its former glory. A visiting ecologist told me this year that it was the healthiest body of water he had encountered in a decade. Given how much we care for and sensitively manage the water course, this was a proud