I have had an enquiry from a new member as to what our "boundaries" are on Pit 2 and where we are and are not entitled to angle. Just for clarification I will detail this here and get it duplicated in the next magazine for future reference for members new and old. We as a club have the fishing rights to the lake, however the lake is a shared facility. The Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre (from hereon known as the Centre) also uses the water and adjoining land for various pursuits. The boundaries of the Centre are dictated by the fences surrounding their grounds for security reasons. Location wise, our last swim is the "Fox" on the Peat Bank accessed via the "Workings" car park at the northern end of the lake. We have no access to the pylon or beyond until you reach Dews Farm next to the Archery range. This section can be reached by car by entering from Harvill Road into our own car park behind the "Gate" swim, or alternatively by walking the length of the "Railway Bank" from the "Viaduct" car park by the arches at the southern end of the lake. The relationship between the angling club and the management of the Centre is a good one and has been so for a number of years now. They accommodate us with loans of boats etc for working parties when needed and also keep an eye on the lake during the close season chasing off undesirable poachers when seen. On the flip side we tend to look out for "strange" occurrences on their property out of their usual business hours, help with water levels by monitoring the outlet stream, advising members not to leave markers out or to fish at any distance over the top of weed beds if boats are out, retrieving lost tackle a.s.a.p. and also giving the phone number of the Centre to those fishing the lake regularly to report directly of any troublesome kids etc. Over the years people who have fished the club have been granted permission to fish from within the boundaries of the Centre after gaining permission from the Principal of the facility by prior arrangement. Those who have gained access have done so after building up a relationship over a period of time, meeting with those who have the power to grant permission over many years and showing they have the best interest of their surroundings at heart. The subject has been raised recently that people are not being granted access to the land that the Centre encompasses. I have spoken to the Principal of the Centre who has said that they are only willing to let a limited number of people onto their property who they recognise as being trustworthy. You then have to angle around the operational times of the Centre which will be dictated to you if access is granted, this can be as little as 10hrs overnight in the summer. You can not leave your gear set up and go off for the day, you have to be off before the Centre opens and are not allowed access until the Centre shuts. Also we have no vehicular access to the Centre so have to park in Dews Farm car park and walk your gear in and out. As you can tell fishing from the Centre is not straightforward, it is hard work and you must be prepared to put in the effort for this style of fishing. I hope this clears up any queries people may have had regarding the boundaries on Pit 2, if not please feel free to contact me.
Regards
Ian Kempster
Fishery Manager