‘Next Redmire’ to open doors to the public

Carp legend Kevin Nash is to allow public access to two monster-producing lakes as his company moves into fishery development.
The Copse and Church lakes hold more than 10 fifties between them, including at least one 60-pounder.
“There are more fifties in the Copse today than there are in most counties,” said Kevin, who is opening up the pair of Essex venues to help fund his company’s foray into the fisheries market.
He added: “In terms of desirability the Copse has got to be the next Redmire.”
A new Nash venue is being developed in Royston, Cambs, and another Essex lake is being dug at a total cost of £400,000.
“To help continue to procure and develop fisheries, the Church and Copse will be a revenue stream towards future acquisitions,” explained Kevin. “I’ve always considered the lakes as my place to study and research carp growth in fisheries, which is one of my passions, and I think we’ve made our point down there.
“What has changed is my recognition that quality carp fisheries are not being developed in significant numbers, and a lot of the ones out there are poorly run with no ability to create the right environment for carp or carp anglers – so we have started a Nash Fisheries portfolio.”
Having dug, stocked and fished both lakes, Kevin knows exactly how much potential they have.
In 2011 he took a brace of fifties – a 52lb 2oz common and a 51lb 2oz mirror – on Riser Pellets just 10 minutes apart.
The lakes’ development began at the turn of the century, although disaster struck in the summer of 2012 when two 50-pounders were found dead in Church Lake as an oxygen crash killed half-a-dozen carp. The venue has since been restocked and has bounced back stronger than ever.
Until this week’s announcement, fishing on both waters had always been by invitation only to friends of Nash Tackle. Star names such as Julian Cundiff, Simon Crow and Alan Blair have all bagged giants from the lakes.
Although open access will now be allowed, tickets will be limited. Sessions will all last five days and run from Monday to Friday, as on a holiday venue.
The first sessions will take place in April and these will be auctioned off, but after a two-month break for spawning in May and June, the lakes will re-open between July and November on a fixed-price booking system.
Precise details are expected to be announced in May.