Members of Chard and District Angling Club can look forward to some first class fishing this season thanks to an Otter-proof fence installed around their pond
In recent years the club has been hit hard by Otters at Perry St Pond close to a tributary of the River Axe. A number of high quality carp up to 20 lbs were among fish taken by the hungry predators that were using the pond as a ‘fast food take away.’
Now, thanks to funding and advice from the Environment Agency the whiskered intruders have been stopped in their tracks after the club erected nearly a quarter of a mile (420 yards) of sturdy wire fencing around the perimeter of the site to keep the unwelcome visitors out.
‘Members have done an absolutely first class job and we’re more than happy to contribute towards the cost of this fencing. Although relatively small, Perry St Pond is popular venue with local anglers, a peaceful place where people can enjoy some excellent fishing at a very reasonable cost,’ said Andy Locke for the Environment Agency.
‘Unfortunately, the pond was also very popular with otters and the club lost some first class fish. Once Otters discover an easy source of food they’ll keep coming back and are not easily deterred. The only solution is to erect a secure Otter-proof fence,’ said Andy Locke.
The project cost around £1,200, half of which was funded by the Environment Agency from money generated from rod licence sales.
‘Otters have had a serious impact on our pond. By working closely with the Environment Agency we have come up with a cost-effective and workable solution to the otter problem. The new fence will make a tremendous difference. It has been a great help working with the Agency’s local fisheries officer. I believe the club and pond have a bright future,’ said chairman of the Chard and District Angling Club, Steve Bishop
Otters are protected by law and it is an offence to disturb or injure them. They went into serious decline in the 1960’s as a result of toxic pesticides, habitat loss and pollution. Numbers have only recently recovered. Their diet consists mainly of fish, supplemented with frogs, crayfish and crabs. Their active lifestyle means they must eat 15% of their bodyweight each day to survive.
Many otters end up as road casualties. An adult female was recently found dead beside a road near Hayle in Cornwall with a live cub nearby. The cub was taken to a local animal rescue centre where, sadly, it later died.
Photos of the new fence are available from the Agency’s regional press office on 01392 442008.
