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Campaigners called for improved management of North Lake after swan death

By Becky Barnes
November 09, 2012

Wildlife campaigners are calling for action at a fishing lake to ensure an ‘extremely popular’ swan did not ‘die in vain’.

Finch, who lived on North Lake in South Hill Park’s grounds for 20 years, is believed to have died after swallowing a lead shot used for fishing.

South Hill Park Wildlife Protection Group urged Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and Bracknell Herons Angling Club to work together to ‘banish the carnage’ and improve the management of the lake.

The group sent an open letter on Monday, following Finch’s death at Swan Lifeline in Eton on Tuesday last week, calling for the organisations to focus on the ‘unnecessary carnage evident sometimes weekly over the last 20 years’.

South Hill Park swan dies after swallowing lead fishing pellet

They also want more training for anglers and bailiffs to police the lake.

Spokesman Peter Hayward added the groups protests had ‘fallen largely on deaf ears’. He said: “North Lake is very special and is for everybody to enjoy. Let’s work to make it and keep that way.”

Members listed injuries to wildlife they claim were caused by discarded fishing equipment and also said Finch and Cleo, an Egyptian goose, had been shot this year.

The letter also said if it wasn’t for Swan Lifeline and Raven Haven the ‘death toll’ would be higher.

Wendy Hermon, Swanline’s treatment centre coordinator, who treated Finch, said: “That lake has cost us an absolute fortune – something needs to be done – they need to monitor it more.

“There are fishing problems everywhere, but we are constantly called back to the same lake.

“The responsible anglers are our eyes and ears, but a few spoil it.”

The wildlife group’s letter also claimed Mike Codd, secretary of the Bracknell Herons had ‘consistently refused to recognise or discuss the problems facing the park’.

Mr Codd said the group were sorry to hear about the death of the swan.

He added: “I have nothing to say – it is nothing to do with the fishing club, I can’t control the public.

“The letter is a load of ranting and raving.”

A Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and South Hill Park Arts Trust spokeswoman said: “The death of one of the swans at the lake is distressing.

“However, it is not necessarily linked to the activities of responsible fishing at the lake promoted by Bracknell Herons.

“There is a long tradition of fishing at the North Lake, with many residents enjoying this important recreational facility.

“This is generally well managed by the fishing club and undertaken in a way sensitive to wildlife present, including the swans.

“Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and South Hill Park Arts Trust are already working well together to improve the management and maintenance of the grounds and lake.

“They seek to work with residents groups as well as Bracknell Herons to ensure this happens.”

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Most recent user comments 4 of 4

How can Mr Codd claim that the swan's death was nothing to do with him or the Heron's Fishing Club. Even if their members were not directly responsible surely as the resident club at North Lake they should be actively engaging with other people who fish in the lake. The club rather than the council should be the major culprits accused of having their heads in the sand.

Any club secretary that denies any responsibility so vehemently should be urgently replaced by someone who shows some social responsibility.

PoneRana, Wokingham
12/11/2012 at 14:26

Bracknell forest council seem to have their heads firmly in the sand. Where is the fishing club management. Do they really think Swan Lifeline and Raven Haven and our group are imagining all this. Time they woke up. We all have better things to do than fantasise over imaginary injuries. Perhaps these spoke persons have never read their own emails. Peter Hayward. South hill park wildlife protection group

Peter Hayward
10/11/2012 at 19:55

Fishing may be enjoyed by many residents, however, not so long ago hunting with hounds was enjoyed by some.

There is a line with blood sports and that line is moving in the direction of fishing.