50th Anniversary Projects delivers first milestone

A major step forward has been achieved with the delivery of two phases of the ambitious 50th Anniversary Project of the Society.

The replacement predator protection fence has now been installed around Reydon pit 4. The high-quality fencing has been designed and guaranteed to give protection for at least 25 years through use of best on market materials. The support of Jake Davoile, one of the Angling Trusts Fishery Management Advisors was key to the project moving forward and helped towards securing a £5,000 Environment Agency Angling Improvement Fund grant administered by the Angling Trust. Additional support and advice was provided by Harvey Croft of Otterstop, our main contractor, along with Byron Stevens the subcontracted installer trading as Beatbush Fencing Ltd. Despite working on his own, Byron installed just over 400m of fencing including the 50cm wide buried apron in seven days, with no disruption to the use of the waters or adjacent footpaths. A predator proofed vehicular access gate was also installed to allow for the possibility of plant being required to gain access for further work to the lake and banks. Total cost for the contractor element for supply and erection of the fence was just over £16,000. The Committee wish to thank all of those involved for the delivery of a great job.

Some work is now required by Members to tidy up matters by removing the original failing predator fencing that no longer serve a purpose, this will be progressed through the Thursday work parties starting again on the second week in November.

Once the above grant was confirmed it meant that the committee were confident that sufficient funding, combined with subscription and donation income from Society Members, was in place for the fencing work. Consequently, other elements of the overall project could proceed. To that end the footpath around about 50% of pit 4 was widened and raised using spoil from the bund arising from the original excavation of the lake. This resulted in the timber plank and mesh footway being removed making the paths much safer, providing larger areas for anglers to fish and the banks generally being made level and dry. Overall, the work has improved access for all those visiting Pit 4 and delivered another part of the project.

Further advice is now being sought as to the best way forward to improve the silt / weed situation and general water quality in Pit 4 so that the next major phase can be delivered.

Anybody available to help on the Thursday work parties (starting 10th November) is asked to contact Society Chairman Barry Reid.