Angling: Carp off limits at new fishery.

Byline: Barry James

The project has been EA-inspired on land (and water) that it owns at Lea Marston, north Warwickshire, and is believed to be the agency's first managed fishery in its Midland region.

Previously used by the agency as a stock pool, it has been converted into a day fishery to provide angling close to an urban/high population area.

Unlike just about all other stillwaters, Coton Hall Lake, as it is called, will not feature the ubiquitous carp - only bream up to a weight of 12lb, perch, tench and roach will be welcome here.

The planners have also taken some novel steps to counteract the menace of cormorants which are an ongoing headache in the area.

Habitat

A number of trees that were removed in the works have been sunk into the 30-peg lake to provide 'air raids shelter' and a suit-able spawning habitat.

Another feature of the site will be floating reed beds which are anchored to the bottom of the lake and act as a refuge for fish.

Environment Agency officer Tony Matthews said: 'It is intended that the lake will double up as an example of how to set up a fishery which provides good fishing and pleasant surroundings and retains conservation interests.'

Meanwhile, three of the Midlands' most popular canals will be part of a major zander cull being launched by British Waterways.

The operation, which starts in two weeks' time, includes the Birmingham and Fazeley, the Grand Union, and the Ashby and Coventry, plus southern canals.

CAPTION(S):

AN innovative venture by the Environment Agency (EA) will see a new fishery open its doors in March and a subsidiary signboard could read: 'Off Limits to Carp and Cormorants'.