In full – Angling Trust sets out detailed case to restore fishing at Wingerworth Lido

The Angling Trust has issued a firm and detailed response to North East Derbyshire District Council’s public consultation on the future of Wingerworth Lido, urging the authority to reverse the controversial angling ban and restore a proven model of responsible, community-led fisheries management.

The Trust’s submission highlights the long-standing contribution of Clay Cross Angling Association — the club that cared for the Lido for more than 25 years — and challenges the claims that angling is incompatible with the Council’s desire to enhance biodiversity at the site.

The response comes after months of campaigning following the Council’s earlier decision not to renew the club’s lease, which included a petition promoted by local angler James Duffy that received national media coverage and lobbying by the Angling Trust, Clay Cross Angling Association and local residents.

Anglers have consistently argued that the Lido’s transformation into a clean, well-managed, wildlife-rich environment was the direct result of years of volunteer work, habitat improvements and stewardship carried out by the angling community.

In its consultation submission, the Angling Trust provides clear evidence showing that angling and biodiversity objectives can successfully coexist, citing examples from Wildlife Trust-managed sites across the country where fishing is actively encouraged.

The Trust also addresses — and comprehensively debunks — the myths and misinformation that have circulated about angling’s supposed impact on the Lido’s wildlife, water quality and reed beds. The message is simple: properly regulated angling is not a threat to the Lido, but a crucial part of its long-term care.

The Trust also outlines constructive proposals for a revised management framework, including tighter controls on membership, enhanced bailiffing and clear rules designed to minimise disturbance to wildlife — demonstrating a willingness to work with the Council, local residents and environmental partners to secure a future for the Lido that balances angling, community access and ecological protection.

The consultation closes on Sunday, 23rd November. Thank-you to everyone who has responded in support of bringing back angling to the Lido. If you care about the future of the Lido, there is still time to submit your views. You can respond here.

The Angling Trust’s consultation response is reprinted in full below:

Wingerworth Lido – Consultation Response from the Angling Trust

Terms of Reference

“Wingerworth Lido (also known as Smithy Pond) is a valued local heritage site in the north of the village, enjoyed by residents for recreation, nature, and community activities. The Council is considering the future management and use of the Lido to ensure it remains a welcoming and sustainable space for all. The Council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee are seeking your views to help shape the future of Wingerworth Lido. Your feedback will help inform decisions about how the site is managed, what activities are supported, and how we can best balance recreation, heritage, and biodiversity.” – North East Derbyshire District Council – 3.11.25

Introduction

The Angling Trust is the national governing body for all forms of recreational fishing and works in partnership with Fish Legal to fight for fish and fishing and to hold to account those whose actions threaten the environment for fish and wildlife. Fish Legal, and its predecessor organisation, has been using the law to fight pollution and other damage and threats to the water environment on behalf of anglers since 1948.

Background

We became involved in the Wingerworth Lido situation back in the January of 2025 when local anglers alerted us to the decision of North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC) not to renew the lease to Clay Cross Angling Association (CCAA) who had looked after the water for over 25 years. This decision later triggered a national petition organised by local angler James Duffy and a wider campaign in defence of angling by the Countryside Alliance. It seemed that the Council’s objective of creating a ‘bio-diversity hub’ at Wingerworth led to the false premise that angling could no longer be permitted on the site.

In response to media enquiries a press spokesman for NEDDC said the aim was to create ‘a safe space for wildlife to thrive’ without any explanation as to why this objective was incompatible with retaining angling on the Lido.

The focus of the Angling Trust has been to support CCAA and to open up a dialogue with NEDDC to explore options for the return of managed angling to Wingerworth Lido.

Angling on wildlife sites

The Angling Trust is an active member of the Wildlife and Countryside Link and the Blueprint for Coalition of Environmental NGOs. At a national level the angling community works closely with our colleagues in the environmental movement advocating for fish and wildlife. Most sensible people recognise the value of having two million anglers as part of a strong voice for a better environment. However, we do sometimes come across situations where a handful of ideologically driven people try to subvert the majority support for Britain’s most popular outdoor pastime.

We have successfully challenged attempts to ban or restrict angling for our member clubs on designated nature reserves including at the Sevenoaks Nature Reserve where the ban was eventually overturned thanks to the support of other wildlife groups. (See here).

As the evidence clearly demonstrates, responsible and well managed angling is in no way incompatible with the establishment of a nature reserve.

By way of an example we have produced a list of Wildlife Trusts that actively promote fishing on their sites showing that angling and ‘biodiversity hubs’ are far from incompatible.

WILDLIFE TRUSTS & FISHING – Some of the fishing available on WLT reserves:

Staffordshire WLT sells permits directly for its water at Doxey Marshes (See here).

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northants WLT at Felmersham Gravel Pits (See here).

Wiltshire WLT at Steeple Langford nature reserve (See here).

Hampshire and IoW WLT – Winnal Moors on the River Itchen and at Swanwick lakes (See here).

Norfolk WLT – Martham Broad (See here).

Angling at Wingerworth

In subsequent discussions with NEDDC, the Angling Trust was reassured to hear that the Council recognises the multiple benefits of angling and is keen to see anglers involved in any community-based management arrangements at Wingerworth. However, the termination of the lease to Clay Cross Angling Association after 25 years of caring for the Lido has led to controversy and a lot of bad feeling which is threatening to inhibit the constructive partnership working that will be necessary for these new arrangements to succeed.

The angling club has worked hard to improve biodiversity and water quality, create a healthy and vibrant environment for fish and wildlife, deal with public nuisances including litter, drug taking and anti-social behaviour and provide a much valued recreational fishery where local people can enjoy an important connection with nature.

Years ago the Lido was choked with weed, had problems with algae blooms and unauthorised fishing and littering, and was becoming unattractive as a community resource. Over time the Clay Cross Angling Association has assisted in the management of the lake drawing on advice from the Environment Agency and fishery specialists. The stock assemblage has been carefully managed to create one of the best tench and carp waters in the area with a good head of other species including roach, perch and pike. The Lido can deliver safe, affordable angling for all ages and has, in the past, introduced many young people to both fishing and a broader appreciation of nature.

Myths and Falsehoods

Unfortunately it has become clear that while the majority of the community wish to see the return of angling to the Lido there are few individuals who have an ideological objection and seem to be finding any reason to object. We therefore sought the advice of both the Environment Agency and the Institute of Fisheries Management to debunk some of the myths and falsehoods that have been put forward:

‘The angling club have polluted the water with blue dye and killed off the toads’

• The longstanding lease from NEDDC actually requires CCAA to control the weed growth in the Lido.
• The dye used was to: a) prevent toxic blue / green algae blooms which are a danger to public health and wildlife, and, b) to control excessive weed growth making angling impossible.
• CCAA used Pro-Blue and Dyofix – vegetable based UV light suppressors – on the advice of the Environment Agency who have trialed and approved this approach.
• The Institute of Fisheries Management have confirmed that there are no known negative impacts on toad or amphibian populations associated with the application of these dyes.
• The Lido now has a healthy plant assemblage with prolific lily beds, pond weed and marginal habitat.
• Notwithstanding the above, CCAA is happy to switch to using Shadow Pond Dye which leaves a more natural look whilst still suppressing UV light. (See here).
• Furthermore CCAA accepts that such products can only be used with the prior approval of the Council (as stipulated in the lease).

‘Angling has destroyed the reedbeds’

• The reduction in the once prolific reed beds is nothing whatsoever to do with angling but is a result of the increase in the Canada geese population which has destroyed them and increased pollutants in the water. (See note below).

‘The Lido has been overstocked with carp and pike’

• CCAA have never stocked the Lido with pike (in fact they removed around 30 a few years back) and they have never ‘tipped hundreds of carp’ into the water. Their stocking policy is to maintain the current carp population by only replacing fish that have been lost.
• There are only around 60 carp in a 3.5 acre water which is a perfectly sensible stocking density. Carp are a naturalised U.K. species having been in the country since the 14th Century. The healthy numbers of other fish species indicates that their presence is in balance with the fishery as a whole.

‘Anglers are responsible for littering the site’

• Angling club volunteers and bailiffs clear up litter from the public, including dog fouling, and without their presence matters will only deteriorate. The club has strict rules against littering.

‘Angling is restricting space for wildlife’

• The Lido has around 40% of the bank space with no fishing which provides plenty of cover for fish and wildlife and includes a shallow section by part of the dam wall where there could be a risk of birds inadvertently picking up an angler’s bait.

Note on Canada Geese Impacts on enclosed waters:

A large population of Canada geese can have several damaging ecological, environmental, and health impacts on an enclosed pond and its surroundings. Because enclosed ponds have limited water exchange and small surface areas, these effects can be especially severe.

Water Quality Degradation

• Main cause: Goose faeces
• Each adult Canada goose produces 1–1.5 pounds of faeces per day.
• Goose droppings are high in nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients that lead to:
  – Eutrophication — excessive nutrient enrichment.
  – Algal blooms, including toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
  – Oxygen depletion, which can cause fish kills.
  – Increased turbidity (murky water) due to suspended organic matter and sediment disturbance.
  – Result: Decline in water quality, reduced oxygen levels, and loss of aquatic life.

Vegetation and Habitat Damage

• Geese graze heavily on grasses, aquatic plants, and seedlings, often uprooting vegetation. This causes:
  – Erosion of pond banks (due to loss of stabilizing plants).
  – Loss of nesting and cover habitat for other species (frogs, ducks, insects, etc.).
  – Reduced biodiversity — both aquatic and terrestrial.

Wildlife Imbalance

• Overabundant geese can out-compete native species for space and food.
• Nesting aggression can drive away smaller birds or prevent them from breeding near the pond.
• Altered nutrient cycles can change the pond’s invertebrate and fish populations, leading to long-term ecosystem imbalance.

A facility for everyone

There is no doubt that the Council is looking for an outcome that will see the Lido enjoyed by as many people as possible who value it as a wildlife site and recreational amenity. There have been some concerns expressed about avoiding conflicts with wildlife and ensuring that anti-social behaviour is not tolerated. The Angling Trust has agreed with CCAA the following proposed changes to a future lease or licence regarding fishing at Wingerworth Lido.

• No Day Tickets. Members only to better control access and conduct.
• No Unaccompanied Juniors (juniors welcome if properly supervised by a senior member).
• A separate Wingerworth Lido permit to be issued to club members subject to careful vetting to exclude any individuals who might give cause for concern.
• Night fishing permits available at an extra charge, to be capped at 30 with only six allowed to be booked on in any 24-hour period.
• A maximum of only two rods to be used per angler to minimise any interaction with wildlife.
• No fishing with surface baits to protect bird life.
• CCAA will provide a daily bailiffing and enforcement service liaising with the Council and Friends of Wingerworth Lido Group.
• CCAA has offered to actively participate in the Friends Group once established if welcome.
• CCAA does not feel the Lido is a suitable place for public swimming as this would conflict with both safe angling and the wider bio-diversity objectives.

These proposals represent the adoption of national best practice for coarse angling on shared public waters and we feel would go a long way to addressing any legitimate concerns and ensuring that the Lido can be enjoyed by all. Removing a properly managed angling presence will only result in poaching, littering, anti-social behaviour and a general decline in the facility. There are numerous examples of where local councils have restored angling club fishing rights for precisely these reasons.

Partnership working in Derbyshire

Standing in marked contrast to the current situation at Wingerworth is the excellent partnership working in Derby where all the city council’s lakes are successfully managed by the local Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club who have improved the aquatic environment in all the lakes for all wildlife and not just fish.

With careful management there have been improvements in the water quality and the habitat of all the lakes. Hundreds of insect-friendly aquatic plants are planted each year. The club is an active member of various city groups including The Friends of Allestree Park and has received praise from across the city and beyond for working with other partners including the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Sustrans. In addition to environmental issues they also work with NHS, charitable trusts involved with a range of health issues, uniformed organisations, schools and the Youth Justice Service.

We asked Club Secretary Dave Parr to outline what had been achieved through partnership working with DWT in recent years on the Derby City lakes and ponds:

“Just prior to us taking on the management of the fishing rights for all the Derby City Council Parks lakes around 11 years ago, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust undertook a scientific survey of the ‘health’ of all the lakes / ponds across Derby City, which included two lakes that we privately own, on which we had already delivered significant environmental improvements. The overall score / measure was based on various scientific factors, such as dissolved minerals, invertebrates numbers / species, macrophytes, pH etc, and out of 90+ water bodies surveyed, our two lakes were ranked first and third.”

Given the proposed involvement of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust as advisors to inform the Council’s biodiversity improvement plan, the partnership between them and the Earl of Harrington’s Angling Club is significant. Especially as ‘The Earl’ have kindly offered to support CCAA in working with them and in improving the bio-diversity of the Lido.

Way Forward

On October 22nd the Angling Trust, on behalf of CCAA, submitted a proposal to the NEDDC Environment Scrutiny Committee for the resumption of angling under revised terms pending the outcome of the DWT review which is not likely to conclude until the autumn of 2026. This review is primarily to advise the Council of its statutory responsibilities in respect of designated wildlife sites. It is highly unlikely to conclude that angling is incompatible at Wingerworth Lido although there may be additional recommendations regarding how fishing, and other activities, are conducted.

Quite clearly if the Council truly wishes to maximise stakeholder engagement going forward, including from anglers, then singling out one activity for early termination is not the way to build trust or partnership working. Imagine the uproar if bird watching or dog walking was banned in a similar fashion.

As we have stated, no evidence has been presented that suggests that angling in some form cannot be included in the future plans and we fully expect this to remain the case.

Given that the scrutiny process itself is likely to take several months, and the DWT review even longer, leaving the Lido open to poaching and a free for all, it makes considerable sense in management terms to issue a temporary licence to CCAA in order to bailiff and generally look after the place. This would also help to diffuse the situation and begin to rebuild the trust necessary to engage the angling community in future partnership working. This licence could be for an initial three months or until the scrutiny process and the review are concluded and a final decision made.

The Council is rightly on record as wanting to see the Lido used by everyone who values nature and recreation and wants new management arrangements that reflect this objective. Until these plans are fully formulated there really is no reason to prohibit angling or any other legitimate activity enjoyed by local people.

Angling Trust
20th November 2025