The Big Plug!

The water level at the lake has dropped as far as the weir will allow but it is still not low enough for the contractors to access all the areas that will be needed to complete the work.  Unscrewing the 'plug' or gate valve below the dam was the final option and after days spent sourcing a suitable tool Colin and Mike finally managed to turn the large helical gear this morning. 

The water started to flow out with some force - quite an achievement considering that the equipment was first put in place in 1915, has never been maintained, and was last opened when the lake was cleared and drained previously in 1997!!  The water level will be monitored over the next few weeks to make sure we don't drain the lake dry!  Watch this space for regular updates on the doubling in size of the water body and re-profiling of the margins - and to see the final attractive piece being added to the 'easy access' route jigsaw!