As many of you will know, Bellwood fell victim to a serious algal bloom collapse, with a subsequent de-oxygenation and serious loss of fish. As a result the water is closed. Although it has recovered it will remain closed for the foreseeable future and almost certainly to the end of the year. This is sad news for the club, but the committee and many members are working hard to restore it to a quality fishery, and this will take some time.
Here is a link to a document which is the action plan decided by the committee this week. Please read it it, and bear with us while the actions are undertaken. Any questions can be directed to the "Contact us" links, or to the forum.
During the period this year where new permits are issued, we are changing the locks on our fisheries. This is something planned for every few years to make sure that only our members have access to the waters. This means that temporary arrangements are in place during the changeover especially for members who return their key early. If you find that your old key doesn't fit, there are also combination locks in place using the number printed on your permit. Please don't force the key because it might just break in the lock.
When you come in for your new permit, please bring the old key for a swap, or if you can't find it, bring the appropriate fee to buy a replacement.
On Saturday 18th March please be aware that Willows will be closed for fishery management activities to take place. During this the committee will be implementing work previously published in the management plan. Members are welcome to be present (of course bring your ID and permit) but it may be necessary to establish a safe working area for the team and contractor.
During the last few days two exciting stocking events have taken place at Rawlings Retreat. Following the removal of large carp to Bellwood, 340 small carp from 1lb to 3lb were introduced, the intention being to restore the match and pleasure fishing to previous levels. During the netting bream to 10lb were discovered in Willows along with some large crucians.
Today 76 bream around 2lb each were added to Alders, to increase pleasure weights, these fish are expected to be safe from cormorant predation.
Rawlings in now going to be very different to fish, Alders developing nicely as a silver fishery, Warwicks with a population of growing crucians, and Willows should become a better match fishery.
As many of you will be aware, Bellwood has been partially closed for some time because of the risk that some trees could fall or drop branches on anglers. Next week beginning 6th February the closure will be increased to a full closure while the trees are attended to. After that, subject to no other issues such as flooding, the lake will be re-opened. The club apologises for the inconvenience, but safety is of the greatest importance.