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Blenheim Palace wants to raise money to dredge lakes

The Palace is now looking to raise the funds - which is thought to be in the millions - to carry out the work.

Blenheim Palace has launched a rescue bid to save what's described as the "finest view in England".

The house in Oxfordshire needs to dredge silt from its two lakes as they've become so shallow they're at risk of drying out.

The plan will see a team of diggers dredge 400,000 tonnes of silt from Queen's Pool and the centrepiece Blenheim Lake.

As well as restoring the lakes to their original 18th century depth and condition, the works will also reveal areas of the Vanbrugh Bridge which have been underwater for more than 100 years.

"There is an absolute certainty that, if we do not do something radical soon, the view will be lost forever.

We have to act now to safeguard this iconic landscape for future generations to discover and enjoy."

– Head of Estates Roy Cox