A carp caught in Hampstead Heath's ponds

Published: 15 November, 2013
by DAN CARRIER

ANGLERS' tales of catching mega-carp in the Hampstead Heath ponds could become a thing of the past if plans to rebuild dams get the go-ahead.

Heath managers the City of London are currently gauging views of Heath users over two projects commissioned from engineering firm Atkins. The projects aims to lessen the likelihood of a severe storm sending flood water in to homes in neighbouring areas.

The plans would see the banks of the major ponds on the Heath raised by as much as two and a half metres – but also includes a propsal to remove all carp fish from the ponds. They are a major draw for anglers and include specimens that can come in at over 25 lbs.

In the report, the City of London's advisers say that to improve the water quality they will seek to remove all bottom-feeding fish – which include carp – as their feeding habits stir up sediment that releases phosphorus into the water and can cause algae blooms.

Prem Holdaway, of the Hampstead Heath Anglers Association, told the New Journal they were against the scheme and against removing the fish.

He said: “It is wrong to take the fish out of the ponds. Carp is a species that has been there for decades.”

Mr Holdaway, who has been fishing at the Heath for more than 60 years, added: “They should leave the indigenous species in the water and instead remove the American Red Crayfish.

“We are against the plans. It simply is not necessary. They are doing much more than they need to do.” He suggested using large pipes running from each pond at angles which would mean they were self regulating if a storm meant rainfall raised water levels so high they could breach the dams.

Heath managers the City of London say the changes are needed to meet legal demands to protect homes in neighbouring Gospel Oak and Dartmouth Park from floods.

The move is on the basis that a severe storm could cause the 300-year-old ponds to breach, sending 1,000 gallons of water into residential areas.

But the £15 million dams project, which will see dams built near the Men's pond, new waterways carved out, and a new peninsula on the boating pond have failed to convince regular Heath users, who say the new additions will be too obtrusive.

The Heath and Hampstead Society has filed lengthy objections, too.

Floods in 1975 were not caused by the ponds being breached, the Society notes, but sewer drains overflowing.

Heath superintendent Simon Lee told the New Journal the City would not spend such a large sum of money unless it was strictly necessary but had taken legal advice to ensure they did what was required. He added that it would be cheaper to simply build concrete dams on the three reservoirs the law states need improving – but were pouring an extra £7m into the scheme for habitat improvements.

He added: “We have to preserve the natural aspect but, for example, the boating pond could be greatly improved. The Heath is a landscape that has been interfered with and managed for centuries. We want to leave something better for future generations. We have taken advice from senior QCs to make sure we adhere to the guidance of engineers.”

SEE ALSO: FRESH DAMS PROPOSALS FAIL TO CONVINCE CRITICS