The 25-acre lake was originally created in the late 18th century as part of the landscaping of the Wollaton Park estate. The lake was formed by damming a small stream that ran through the park, creating a picturesque body of water that became a focal point of the park’s landscape.
A map of 1886 reveals the lake planted with trees and shrubs, including Conifers, Pines, Yews and Rhododendrons. Their dark colours chosen to maximise reflections in the lake. The Yews have largely died off replaced by Sycamores and self-set Alders.