Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) has provided further information on the ecological approach being taken as part of the proposed aqua park at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, as well as plans for improvements to the parking provisions throughout the summer months.
The council recognises that residents care deeply about Hinchingbrooke Country Park, its wildlife and its natural character, and understands the concerns that have been raised regarding the proposal. These considerations have been important throughout its development.
Ecological assessments have informed the project from the outset, helping to shape the location of infrastructure, operational arrangements and mitigation measures designed to minimise impacts on habitats and wildlife.
The aqua park infrastructure is seasonal in nature and removed at the end of each operating season. The council's ambition is to leave the main lake and surrounding habitats in a stronger position over the long term, balancing recreational opportunities with environmental stewardship.
As part of the proposals, approximately one-third of the main lake is proposed to be managed primarily for wildlife, helping create quieter refuge areas with reduced recreational disturbance. Sensitive reedbeds and marginal habitats are being retained and protected, and the aqua park has been positioned within open water areas to avoid these important ecological features.
Additional measures incorporated into the project include biosecurity controls to protect water quality and habitats, ecological management plans to guide operations and ongoing consideration of protected species and seasonal ecological requirements.
Alongside mitigation measures, the council is exploring opportunities to strengthen biodiversity around the main lake. Potential enhancements being explored include habitat improvements around the eastern bank, reedbed strengthening, additional tree planting and the possible installation of a tern nesting raft.
Cllr Julie Kerr, Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene said:
"Hinchingbrooke Country Park is one of Huntingdonshire's most valued natural spaces, and protecting and enhancing biodiversity has been central to the development of this proposal from the outset.
We understand that residents value the Country Park for its wildlife, peaceful setting and natural character. Our aim has been to ensure that ecological considerations are embedded throughout the project whilst maintaining the qualities that make Hinchingbrooke Country Park such a valued natural space.
The aqua park infrastructure would be seasonal and removed at the end of each operating season. Alongside this, we are proposing that approximately one-third of the main lake is managed primarily for wildlife, creating quieter refuge areas with reduced disturbance.
The council has a wider commitment to biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery across Huntingdonshire. Carefully managed activities can support the long-term financial sustainability of our country parks and help secure investment into habitat management and biodiversity improvements. Our ambition is to leave the main lake and surrounding habitats in a stronger position over the long term."
The council will continue to work with ecological specialists, Country Park staff and stakeholders as the proposal progresses, ensuring environmental considerations remain central to decision-making and the ongoing management of the main lake.
Huntingdonshire District Council also recognises that parking capacity at Hinchingbrooke Country Park is a key concern for local residents, particularly during the busy summer months when visitor numbers are at their highest. To ensure the introduction of the aqua park does not place additional pressure on existing parking provisions, a temporary parking solution will be in place exclusively for aqua park customers throughout the 2026 season.
This temporary facility will provide an additional 75 parking spaces and will be actively managed by stewards to ensure it is used solely by aqua park visitors. By directing aqua park users to this dedicated area, the existing Country Park car park will remain available for regular park visitors, helping to alleviate parking pressures and maintain access for those wishing to enjoy the wider park and its facilities.
Importantly, this is a temporary arrangement located within the footprint of the planned permanent car park development. The area will ultimately be landscaped and constructed as part of the long-term parking improvements for the Country Park, with the permanent car park scheduled for completion by late spring 2027. This phased approach allows HDC to support the launch of the aqua park while continuing to invest in infrastructure that will benefit all park users in the future.
For further information regarding the launch of the new aquapark, please read Hinchingbrooke Country Park - Aqua Park FAQ.