Anglers E-Bulletin – Edited Copy

Edited copy of Anglers E-Bulletin for general information.

Angling at Compton Verney

The 2015/16 angling season for members of the Compton Verney syndicate will begin on 16 June and run to 16 March 2016.

The angling membership will continue to be closed for the foreseeable future whilst we continue our work to improve both water and fish quality. The closed membership is helping us to protect the developing landscape whilst we continue to find a balance between angling and enhancement of the environment generally. All current anglers are of course eligible to re-join as usual.This situation will be reviewed each year moving forward.

The date for the anglers meet up is Thursday May 28 from 5.30 to 7.30, again adopting a more informal approach, using the timber visitor lodge building in the main car park and a small gazebo on the lakeside. This evening is a chance for current anglers to renew membership if not already done, and also gives opportunity to catch up with fellow anglers and grounds team, who will be at the gazebo during this period.

We’ve been busy during the closed season taking back some of the wilderness area near to pegs 5 and 6. Uneven ground was making management difficult, so a partial clearance and refinement in planting, followed by grass seeding will improve this area for both flora and fauna. This work is in line with our continued improvement of the ice house coppice.

The long grass bank beside the upper pool, from the Adam/sphinx bridge will once again receive a regular mow from contractors this season, making access a touch easier. Clearing of excess weed growth from each fishing peg will again be done in summer. We are also expecting a visit from our consultant in June who is aiming to treat and net the lake as done previously. The same consultant has offered a quantity of carp for the lake, but we’ll let you know as soon as we know exactly what is available and introduced to the lake.

Re-Viewing the Landscape – Compton Verney was successful in its application for Heritage Lottery Funding, winning approval for restoration of a number of elements of its grade II* historic landscape. The project will see the Chapel restored, footpaths added around the west lawn and east arm of the lake and a new visitor centre to name but a few major elements. A boardwalk will also be installed around the eastern arm of the lake, which will make access much easier for anglers moving between pegs 3 and 4. Replacement fencing will also be installed along the roadside; another good move to prevent unauthorised fishing.

Finally, a new visitor welcome building will be commenced from autumn 2015 with improved facilities and access for all visitors; including of course our angling syndicate.

No other changes are expected at present, and we look forward to welcoming our members back to the lakeside for the new season of fishing – wishing you all the very best of luck!

Regards

Gary Webb, Head of Landscape & Gardens at Compton Verney