Making of Claremont Gardens Angling School

The committee have been granted a long term lease on a new pond situated within a new housing development thanks to Roland Bardsley Homes. Over the past 2 years the management committee have been liasing with developers to create and manage a purpose built fishing pond in Hurst Cross, for the local community. Part of our planning and designing was to include a wheel chair friendly facility.

We plan to manage a professional venue for the local community with help from the volunteers and coaches, with all the revenue being reinvested in the future management and maintenance of the pond.

Stage One

The work started summer 2003 by digging out the pond area to a depth of 15ft, this enabled the contractors to puddle the lake bed with clay, thus preparing for the next stage, a geomembrane liner was placed in which helps the lake bed puddle naturally to create a water tight seal.

Stage Two

Place 1m of puddling clay on top of the liner then track in with a JCB to create a uniform fishing pond giving no under water feature making a perfect fishing pond snag free.

Stage Three

Over the winter of 2003 - 2004 the pond soon filled up with rain water. Once the inlet and outlets were in place, the pond will be supplied by a natural spring which has a constant feed to the pond, giving good oxygen levels in the hot summer months.

Stage Four

August 2004 we focused on creating the first wheelchair friendly facility. Providing perfect access by the construction of a levelled path a round the pond, which gives access to all areas.

Stage Five

Over the winter of 2005-2006 the management committee working flat out to complete the final stages of the pond, we will be focusing on creating 25 fishing platforms they will be equally space at intervals of 6m around the pond.

Stage Six

In between each of the platforms, pre-established aquatic coil rolls was placed within the margins. Aquatic plants are vital to the maintenance of a healthy lake. They help to oxygenate the water, provide habitat for animals and are the basis of the food chains within the lake.

Stage Seven

March 2006 we reiterate and grass seeded the banks of the pond and we were ready to open the gates at the end of April 2006.

The Final stage - stocking the pond

Before any fish could be introduced, water samples had to be taken by The Environmental Agency to ensure the pond was able to support the fish.

The water samples were done in October 2004 and the results came back all clear
We secured funding of £2,000 for fish stock, which enabled us to purchase 1,300 Carp, which is the first of 4 fish stocks that we have planned for the pond.

The first stocking

Before introducing the Carp, we had to obtain a section 30 consent form, from the Environmental Agency; this guarantees that the fish are in good health before being introduced to the pond.

November 2004 we introduced 1,300 6-8inch carp in to the new pond.

The second Stocking

Thanks to Tameside sport club development fund we secured £2,500 match funding for our second and third stocking

April 2006 we introduced 1,500 6-8inch carp ready for us opening to pond.

The third stocking

March 2007 we introduced 500 bream, 250 Tench and 250 crucian carp, the club match funded the £2,500 from TMBC giving a total stocking of £7,000

The fourth stocking

March 2008 we are planning to stock an other 500 fish to the club pond, the club will fund the stocking.