Why are there islands in the middle of Fleet Pond?

Why are there islands in the middle of Fleet Pond? A couple of people have asked me this while I'm walking round. The islands have multiple functions these include ...

1) we have dredged the pond and the islands are a great way to use up the sediment recycling at its best. 

2) a major issue at Fleet Pond is the turbidity (murkyness of the water) this stops any plants growing so the quality of the water is very poor. In the past we used to have lots of plants in the water which is what the site got its SSSI (site of special scientific interest) designation for. To reduce this turbidity and get clearer water for plants to grow we need to reduce the amount of wave action across the lake. Before dredging, the deepest part of the lake was 0.8m this meant any wave action stirred up the silt from the bottom of the pond causing murky water. The deeper water and islands will hopefully create calm backwater areas to reduce this wave action. 

3) Finally the islands provide a great habitat for wildlife. The edges of the islands have been planted with reeds to help lessen the wave action and firm up the shape of the islands. One of the islands has been covered with shingle for nesting common terns.

We've had a great list of birds visit the new islands already including Bar-tailed Godwits, little ringed plovers, lapwing and many more

I can't wait to see what turns up next :D