Notts fish in danger after manure leaks
Hundreds
of fish in a Notts stream are thought to have perished when manure from
a local farm leaked into a small waterway turning it brown and frothy.
The angler who reported the pollution is a local businessman and a member
of Newark Federation.
He has specifically asked for his name not to be disclosed but he said:
“I often walk the banks of the Halloughton Dumble near Southwell
and although the beck is only a few inches deep in places, it has a rich
habitat with shoals of chub, as well as quality roach and trout.”
“I contacted the Environment Agency emergency hotline on Sunday afternoon
and was told that the person who deals with problem like this was fell
walking in Yorkshire.”
“I have been keeping an eye on this beck for a number of years and
I was looking forward to fishing the stream in the new season – but
that looks unlikely now.”
The Halloughton Dumble rises near Oxton and travels nine miles through
the rewarding Notts countryside before meeting the River Greet (once an
exclusive trout water) near Fiskerton Mill where the river joins the River
Trent at Fiskerton.
The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) understands that the Environment
Agency responded to the pollution call on Sunday and also looked at the
stream again on the Monday.
The agency has established the pollution was caused by agricultural manure.
NFA’s membership services manager, Bob Clark, said: “This pollution
happened two days after the closed season on rivers.”
“Once again an NFA member was pro-active and reported the incident
which may otherwise have gone unnoticed, proving that anglers are the
eyes and ears of the countryside.”
“Despite the Halloughton Dumble being a small stream that is rarely
fished, it is one of the jewels of the Notts countryside and should be
protected from pollution incidents.”
“We are treating this case in the same way as we have with the River
Slea pollution in Lincolnshire which killed 100,000 fish. We know who
the polluters are and they have a duty to restock these waterways.”
“Our lawyers have been briefed about both pollution cases and will
act under our Nemesis Scheme.”
In 1999 the NFA were successful in ensuring Notts’ River Smite was
re-stocked after a farmer killed thousands of fish when his slurry tank
burst.
As a point of interest for our readers, a Notts stream or beck is often
referred to as a dumble.
Fish Refuges
Five
fish refuges that have been created along sections of the River Trent
are proving successful.
This major exercise was started at the beginning of the 1990s to help
sustain the fish stocks on the river which is being decimated by cormorants
and the lack of ability to sustain the welfare of the fish fry that were
not surviving the winter months when the river was in flood.
All local anglers will be aware that there are a number of gravel pits
along the lengths of the River Trent and some of these have been linked
to the river system.
Special entry channels have been built under the banks of the river and
when it is in flood the fish stocks, including that year’s fry, can
shelter in the still waters.
There, they are safe from being washed away and also from the feeding
habits of predatory birds which, because of the clear conditions of the
River Trent, have reduced the natural habitat considerably.
The fish havens are located at Winthorpe Lake, which is now under the
control of Newark and District – John Garland on 01636 702962 –
a lake is noted for its carp, barbel and dace.
Bingham’s Pond at Crankly Point is under the control of Smeaton’s
Fisheries – 01636 605088 – and is noted for its bream, roach,
perch.
East Stoke Fisheries was connected only this month – contact 01636
525265 – and is noted for its barbel, chub, roach.
Marina Pond between Radcliffe and Nottingham is under the control of Nottingham
and District Federation of Anglers and it is noted for its barbel, roach
and perch.
The final one is located between Sawley and Shardlow just upstream of
the Derwent and is noted for its carp roach and bream.
These fisheries are open all year round. However, while I am obliged to
keep local anglers informed of activities further afield, it is worth
noting that Sandhill Lake and Woodsetts Quarry Pond are also open all
year round and both venues are noted for their quality fish stocks.
So why support other organisations when the executive committee of Worksop
and District Anglers’ Association (WDAA) have worked hard over the
years and successfully negotiated for all year round fishing on these
venues to accommodate the needs of their membership and also that of non-members?
Of course, the choice is yours.
Some Canal Waters remain Closed
The majority
of the Chesterfield Canal is open throughout the year with the exception
of the Grafton Angling Association sections from Bracebridge Lock through
to Shireoaks Bridge.
Current permit holders are asked to report any anglers found fishing these
sections to any of the committee members.
Please note that details for the renewal and registration of new permits
for the 2003/4 season will be published at the beginning of May once the
executive committee has confirmed the prices for the ensuing year at their
annual general meeting at the end of April.
All old permits must be handed in at Ken Ward Sports and payments made
up front for new permits.
It is important to note that there are certain sections of the Worksop
and District Anglers’ Association waters that are also closed due
to the restrictions implemented by English Nature for Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI).
However, the sections from Woodcocks Bridge (Retford High School) through
to Whitsunday Pie Lock are open.
Worksop United’s sections are all open, and so are Retford and Districts
and those of Sheffield and District Anglers’Association.
WDAA waters at Sandhill Lake and Woodsetts Quarry pond are open all year,
but certain rules and regulations relating to barbless hooks and keep-nets
apply.
Round-up
Pride
of Warsop have fished two matches on the River Trent at Holme Marsh and
the results are as follows:
Fishing in bright conditions from pegs 161 to 185 with the river at its
normal winter levels, Terry Whitehead took the honours from peg 164 with
18lb 5oz.
It comprised of four bream and one chub and his biggest bream hit the
scales at 5lb 3oz after using maggot and caster as bait presented on the
feeder method.
Mick Marriot was second with 7lb 9oz from peg 178 followed by Harry Kirkland
with 2lb, Mick Sleight 1lb 10oz.
The second match was fished between pegs one and 25 in very windy conditions
with the river carrying a lot of extra water.
Top rod on the day was Keith Bacon with 14lb 6oz that included just two
quality fish, a barbel of 7lb 6oz and a bream of 7lb.
They were caught from peg seven using four white maggots on a size 14
hook tied to 6lb hook length on the feeder method.
Nigel Parkin was second with 4lb 6oz followed by Mick Sleight with one
ounce.
Notice Board
Go Baits
next match will be held at Langold Lake on Sunday 30th March. The draw
will take place at 9am and fishing will be from 10am until 3pm.
The entry fee is £15 all-inclusive and a golden peg prize is being
implemented in this series. Further details are available from Stewart
Goulding on 01909 540105.
Golden Ball members should note that a special meeting has been convened
for Sunday 30th March at the Colliery Inn starting at 7pm. All subscriptions
should be paid on or before the date of this meeting.
Worksop Piscatorial have increased their fees for the ensuing season.
The joining fee is £5 and the annual subscription has been raised
from £3 to £5 after the original prices had remained stable
for many years.
Any individual wishing to join the Piscatorial club may do so at the usual
tackle shop outlets – Angling Supplies (Retford Road), Gateford Angling
Supplies (Gateford Road), Go Baits (Langold), Ken Ward Sports (Carlton
Road).
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Yours in Sport Glyn |