Dozens of fish killed in lake level lowering
Dozens of fish have died after the water level at a picturesque lake was deliberately lowered.
The upper lake on Earlswood Common has been partially drained so it can be cleared of rubbish and debris – and so any fish in the lake can be removed.
But, despite Reigate and Banstead Borough Council insisting the lower water level remains safe for fish, several have perished in the shallows.
Dogwalker Andrew Murrell, 48, walks across the common daily and alerted the Mirror to the problem.
He said: "I first noticed they were draining the lake on Tuesday last week and thought the water level was much lower than it has ever been before. It was so shallow swans were walking in the water.
"The next day I came back and half of the lake had disappeared. I could see at least 20 dead fish lying in the mud.
"I thought something had gone seriously wrong – it must be a mistake for the water to be that low."
The council told the Mirror the upper lake is not supposed to contain any fish, and claims they only found two dead fish when they checked the site on Friday afternoon.
A spokeswoman for the council said: "The water level at Earlswood's upper lake is being lowered so the lake can be cleared of rubbish and debris – including a bench that was thrown in last weekend – and so the fish in the lake can be netted and put in the lower lake.
"Angling is not permitted on the upper lake, which is retained as a haven for wildlife. So that it does not become attractive to illegal anglers, the lake is netted about once a year to remove any fish that have been introduced.
"The water level varies at different points around the lake and although in some places it now appears quite shallow, we are assured it remains safe for the fish and they are capable of getting back into deeper water."
But, for Mr Murrell, this explanation is not good enough.
He said: "Lakes are supposed to have fish in them, what else are the herons supposed to eat?
"And there's been debris in the lake for over 30 years, I'm baffled as to why they've suddenly decided to do something about it now.
"There were dead fish everywhere earlier this week. There's been heavy rain since which might have washed away the evidence, but I saw them. They were definitely there."
When the Mirror visited the lake on Friday morning, several dead fish were spotted in the shallows.
The lake is now being allowed to refill naturally from Chain Pond and other natural sources.
●What do you think? visit www.thisissurreytoday .co.uk to share your views.
16 Comments
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by Brenda Howlett, Woodhatch
Sunday, February 14 2010, 5:51PM
“I would be interested to know of any other dog owners who walk on Earlswood Common (Golf course) have had dogs suffering with tummy upsets (severe Gasto enteritis etc) Last year, whatever it is they put on the golf course to make the grass look greener,seemed to be used to excess - completely blue down the fairways etc - From May last year, one of my dogs began suffering from this condition off and on, last month it led to Renal Failure and he nearly died,.From the outset I have been suspicious of whatever it is they put on the gplf course and am concerned that my dogs stomach has suffered permanent damage which may be due to poisoning - he does drink from puddles etc. I have heard that other dogs that walk on the common have suffered problems and would be very interested to hear from anyone who has had similar problems. I would also like to know exactly what this substance is! It is not just our dogs that are at risk, children play on the common, people have picnics, and of course there is the wildlife.”
by John, Local
Thursday, February 11 2010, 2:49PM
“Sue - Probably because there are no fish in there now! they managed to kill them all! I wonder if they actually bothered to net the lake after all - I mean were told it was to clean up....who knows? maybe they were just looking for to cash in on the carp again?”
by Brenda, Woodhatch
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 8:24PM
“There still seems to be a lot of rubbish in the top lake - and I also wonder why they haven't renewed the No Fishing signs whilst the water was low.”
by Again interested., Leafy Surrey
Thursday, February 04 2010, 10:25PM
“Any wish without a health check are virtually worthless unless they are sold on blackmarket. For a health check you need a minimum of 10 fish of each species (for large fish). To move health checked fish a section 30 is needed from the environment agency. Fish introdcued into the lake can be checked against Environment Agency records. I believe the fish were removed by a Contractor who then has to get all the necessary documentation.”
by John, Surrey
Thursday, February 04 2010, 1:48PM
“Figures provided by Council:
Fish officially removed from the top lake on 16th January 2008 as follows:
13no. carp of varying sizes from 7lb up to 29lb.
204 lb of roach/perch over 6 inches
100 lb of roach under 6 inches
209 lb of pike
A number of tench - 6 or 8, were moved from the upper lake to the lower lake.”
by John, Surrey
Thursday, February 04 2010, 1:45PM
“Tony - I keep replying but they keep deleting my posts. Very infuritaing, Council have long arms it would seem.
I shall try to keep this normal so im not edited again
- Fish were stocked into Furnace for FREE (this is FACT do not delete this comment!)
- They picked the biggest fish and put smaller carp back. (FACT - I have the photos!)
- Council then published an article saying carp had been stocked by carp anglers. (FACT - Its still on BBC)
THE ABOVE IS ALL FACT. PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THIS POST. YOU CAN CONTACT ME VIA EMAIL TO DISCUSS IF NEEDED.
Sue - Yes, shame isnt it. A well run club would not allow this to happen.
Is there somewhere else we can discuss this? As it seems im being heavily moderated here and cant understand why!”
by Tony, Woodhatch
Thursday, February 04 2010, 12:07PM
“I would like to know what has happened to the large carp that were removed from the top and bottom lake during the last few years.
Were they sold and if so what records have you kept on this.”
by Sue, Redhill
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:11PM
“I have seen people fishing in the top lake several times..the sign that said 'no fishing' is no longer visible..... and who is going to stop people anyway from fishing in the top lake?”
by John, Surrey
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 12:53PM
“Bob, Woodhatch - That will be the new and young match anglers leaving line everywhere. Do not tar all anglers with the same brush that the council has. Most mature anglers are very environmentally friendly. As to the fish, that maybe. But people seem to forget that this place is in between 2 massive council estates, nowadays kids want to catch big fish im afraid. The only way you cut that out is by having an angling club that actually montiors the place, which the current one does not. It just collects the cash.”
by Very Interested, Leafy Surrey
Tuesday, February 02 2010, 2:28PM
“This seems quite interesting as I have walked around everyday in the last 2 weeks and I have not seen any sign of dozens of dead fish, did notice a couple that the birds had caught (thats nature for you). It would seem the best time of year to clear and tidy-up around lakes. Oxygen levels in the water are at their greatest. My understanding is that the EA do all their netting in winter as if is far less stressful for the fish. I also believe it is illegal to net without the EA consent.”