The Site is a naturally eutrophic small shallow lake on the River Fergus. The lake with its fringing woodland, marsh and swamp and temporary flooded grassland provides important water storage and nutrient cycling functions. The capacity of the lake and associated wetland habitats to retain water during high rainfall is important for downstream flood mitigation. A few emergent plants are found, such as common club-rush (Scirpus lacustris) and common reed (Phragmites australis). The Site supports important populations of wintering waterbirds such as shoveler, wigeon, coot, mallard and gadwall. The lake is used for a range of recreational activities. Small threats are presented by ingress of urban waste water.