Environment Agency Visit to Balderton Lake – 5th, June 2025

Shortly before lunch time today, a resident contacted Balderton Parish Council to raise his concerns as he thought fish appeared to be 'gasping for air' in Balderton Lake.

Balderton Parish Council notified their contact at the Environment Agency, and he was at the lake by 3pm with an oxygen meter. We are pleased to report that the fish are fine and the oxygen levels at numerous points around the lake are healthy (between 81% and 88%).

The weeds have been identified, and this is native to the UK Ceratophyllum sp. Hornwort and Potamogeton crispus (otherwise known as curled pond weed). Currently, weed visible from the bank has vastly reduced.

As the weed deteriorates, vertebrates are released and due to today's gusty conditions, being sweep along into the pump pond area, leading to a potential feeding frenzy. Hence the large numbers of fish, visible in certain parts of the lake.

Our contact at the Environment Agency has said there is ‘no silver bullet’ or one single solution to tackle the weed. Balderton Parish Council are considering the advice received from various agencies and taking these into consideration, during the breeding season. As the lake is not used purely as a fishing lake, being enjoyed also as a wildlife haven, the council is taking feedback from different sources and seeking wildlife friendly solutions.

Balderton Parish Council appreciates the swift response by the Environment Agency today and to the members of Grove Angling Club who accompanied us. All parties pledged to continue to work together for an amicably solution, to what has been identified as a national issue on lakes and ponds at the time of year.

Pictured below:

Picture 1

• Members of Grove Angling Club - Carl Asher, Dave Green and 2 youth members
• Environment Agency officers - Dan Clark, Sian Daley and Kat Robinson
• Parish Councillors - Jane Buxton and Joy Sellars
• Parish Clerk - Marion Fox Goddar

Picture 2

• Members of Grove Angling Club - Carl Asher and 2 youth members
• Parish Councillor - Jean Hall

Picture 3

• Environment Agency Officers sampling the water