Project Description
In 2025 Ongar and district angling society made the decision to drain our 100-year-old- 0.45-acre pool and turn it into a Crucian fishery and hatchery.
We employed the services of a local pond contractor with the goal to achieve our vision. Sadly, the contractor without testing silt stability drove the digger into the pool and got instantly stuck requiring rescue. So, £2000 lost on plant hire and a loss of confidence the project halted.
Roll on to 2026, deflated but not defeated we reached out to FIN and our members for funding toagain start works. We were successful in achieving a grant from FIN and with the generosity of our members we raised funds for the first phase.We employed the services of Jex plant hire to remove the silt and biomass buildup and to repair the clay around the banks.Success! The Pool is now baking nicely in the sun and drying out and we have begun to pollard trees and remove potential sources of waste from the surrounding area.
We will be filling the lake from our nearby water in October this year and again with the help of our members, FIN and Mill lodge fishery will begin to introduce the first few Grade A crucians to the pool.
The pool is due to open to our members and juniors from the surrounding area around April 2027. ODAS are extremely grateful for the support of FIN and the EA for the kindness we have been shown on our journey. Long live the beautiful Crucian Carp!
