Country park gives water discolouration warning

A historic 160-acre country park has issued a visitor warning about discoloration of water.

Upton Country Park in Poole, Dorset, announced that discolouration found in a stream and Grove Lake was being investigated by the Environment Agency (EA).

The estate, which is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said it previously understood the milky colour was "a naturally occuring incident" due to the vegetation releasing sugars.

The EA said its officers were "closely monitoring for any impact on the environment" as the investigation continues.

Natural streams run through the park, flowing towards Grove Lake and the tidal mudflats and salt marshes of Holes Bay Nature Park.

In its Facebook post, the park asked visitors to keep children and dogs away from the water while it was not running clear.

Councillor Richard Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said the incident had been "confined to an isolated section of the stream, and the country park and its facilities remain open".

"Upton Country Park is one of our most valued green spaces, and the safety of residents and visitors is always our top priority," he said.

"We are working closely with our partners to monitor the situation and will provide updates as soon as we can."

An EA spokesperson said the situation had "improved, but signs of some discolouration remain".

"Samples have been taken, and we are closely monitoring for any impact on the environment whilst our investigation continues," they added.