Angling club set to lose their historic carp

MEMBERS of a Hampshire club lake are running out of ideas to save their beloved carp after plans were set in motion to dispose of the fish to encourage the growth of rare underwater plants.

Oakhanger AC’s Shortheath Pond contains an estimated 100-150 carp between 10lb and 30lb, but Hampshire County Council has now ordered the club to remove them on behalf of Natural England because they’re preventing the plants from thriving on a lake that falls within a Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

One of the carp that potentially could be killed as a result of the decision by Natural England

The club’s committee have an opportunity to fund a health check for the carp so they can be moved, but lifelong Oakhanger member Kevin Charman believes it could be a little too late…

“Natural England is contracted to remove the carp in early 2021 but there’s a high chance these fish won’t pass the health check,” Kevin said. 

“Even if they do, the EA won’t allow us to transfer them into the club’s other carp water, as it isn’t landlocked.

“It’s heartbreaking to think that the carp I’ve known for the last 40 years will end up being buried in the ground, but that’s the reality we’re facing if nothing changes soon.” 

Shortheath Water is set to lose its carp