Work to create a new pond dipping platform in St Nicholas Park has begun, as a major renovation project gets off the ground.

The Junior Angling Committee (JAC) announced earlier this month that the Kingfisher Pool complex would be brought back to use after falling into disrepair during the pandemic.

The work will involve removing silt from King Henry Pools, re-installing dipping platforms and undertaking bank erosion work on the main pool.

The complex became Britain's only purpose-built junior angling pool in 1997, and is leased from Warwick District Council.

JAC now regularly holds free coaching sessions where children and disabled persons of all ages can learn to fish, having now over 200 members.

Work is now underway at Kingfisher Pools (image by Geoff Ousbey)

Following a major fundraising drive, work has now begun - as shown by images sent to Nub News by local resident Geoff Ousbey.

The renovation project has been fully approved by an ecologist and will involve:

• Phase 1: Preparation work - unwanted vegetation & self-set trees around the edges of the pool and brambles on the banks have already been removed to give access to the site and also create an area on which to temporarily deposit silt, once removed from the pool.
• Phase 2: Removal of Silt & Weed – Aquatic Solutions, a specialist company, will use a thruxor machine and clam shell dredger to remove silt and weeds from King Henry Pool. They will also remove aquatic plants from the margins of Kingfisher pool, to then allow the JAC to undertake bank erosion work, kindly funded by Warwick Town Council. This will not harm any fish.
• Phase 3: Pond-dipping Platforms - Two new pond-dipping platforms will be installed in King Henry Pools to allow local youngsters to enjoy this wildlife pond once again. Surrounding areas will be re-seeded with wetland grasses and flowers.

"We have been working so hard to try and find a way to renovate Kingfisher Pools and I would like to thank Warwick District Council and King Henry VIII Endowed Trust for their support in helping make this happen," said Sue Griffin, Junior Angling Committee secretary earlier this month.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of all the other organisations who have also donated towards this project. Thank you so much to all our funders.

"This renovation project will make a massive difference to all users of the park for many years to come. We are looking for more volunteers to help, so do get in touch if you'd like to get more involved with helping maintain the site or coaching fishing in the future."

(image by Geoff Ousbey)

(image by Geoff Ousbey)

(image by Geoff Ousbey)