Bopeep Update

Notice to all members.

As published recently, the committee has made the important decision to temporarily close Bopeep Pond until further notice. This closure was primarily due to the current wet conditions in the Car Park, which have rendered it unsuitable for vehicle access. During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), the chairman addressed those in attendance regarding the proposed plans for significant improvements to both the car park and the swims. We are pleased to announce that we have now received the necessary planning permission from the local authorities, which is a crucial step forward in this process. Furthermore, we have secured combined funding contributions from various organisations, including the Environment Agency (EA), Sport England, and Hampshire County Council (HCC). These contributions underscore the collaborative effort to enhance our facilities for the benefit of all users.

In light of the current closure of Bopeep Pond, our dedicated club volunteers have seized this opportunity to initiate preparations for the scheduled improvements. This proactive approach will ensure that we are ready to implement the enhancements as soon as possible. Therefore, we must inform our members that Bopeep Pond will remain closed until the completion of the planned works, which are expected to be finalised by Saturday, 2nd May 2026. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time, as the improvements are essential for the long-term sustainability and accessibility of our facilities.

The upcoming improvements will include the introduction of a sustainable permeable parking area designed to mitigate water runoff and enhance drainage, ensuring that the car park remains usable even during wet weather. Additionally, we will be implementing sustainable access routes to the fishing swims, which will greatly improve the experience for all anglers. Importantly, we are also focusing on making significant improvements to the swims specifically for disabled anglers, ensuring that our facilities are inclusive and accessible to all members of our community.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause our members during the closure period. However, we believe that these enhancements will greatly benefit our members, community and improve the overall experience for everyone involved. This project is just one of many initiatives in the pipeline aimed at upgrading our venues and ensuring that we continue to provide high-quality facilities for our members.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

PDAC Committee