Warning issued after toxic blue-green algae found at Holme Pierrepont Country Park in Nottingham

A warning has been issued after toxic blue-green algae was found at a popular Nottingham walking spot. 

The bacteria has been detected in the Regatta, Wake Park Lake and Swan Lake areas at Holme Pierrepont Country Park. 

Activities such as Wipeout, Rafting and Kayaking take place on different bodies of water and are not affected by Blue Green Algae.

Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.

It can cause skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, fever and headaches in humans, but can be deadly to wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets. 

In a social media post on Saturday, July 27, the National Water Sports Centre, which is based at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, advised dog owners not to let their pets enter affected bodies of water. 

Water affected by the bacteria may be discoloured green, blue-green or greenish brown and several species can produce musty, earthy or grassy odours. 

Blooms can also cause foaming on the shoreline which is sometimes confused with sewage pollution. 

Children are at greater risk than adults of developing problems because of their comparative lower body weight.