We've been working for a number of years to appoint a club to manage angling at Combs Reservoir near Buxton. Now, after detailed discussions, Prince Albert Angling Society (PAAS) is set to take over the responsibility for managing fishing at the reservoir from 1 November.
PAAS will be responsible for managing angling on the reservoir, which is rich in wildlife and has protected environmental status. The reservoir feeds the Peak Forest Canal and is one of only a few sites in Britain that support an unusual community of short-lived mosses and liverworts and has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reservoir's mixture of woodland, grassland and water-margin habitats support over 40 species of breeding birds including great crested grebe, little ringed plover, snipe and lapwing.
Fantastic natural environment
With the agreement of Natural England, PAAS will ensure that anglers can continue to enjoy fishing on the reservoir while making sure that important environmental obligations are met.
As well as protecting the ecological appeal of the site, PAAS will also help to maintain the quality of the fishing available at the reservoir by protecting fish stocks from unauthorised fishing, predation and theft.
Carl Nicholls, fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust said: “One of the reasons that Combs Reservoir is particularly popular with anglers is its fantastic natural environment but this brings with it the responsibility to balance the requirements of anglers with our statutory obligations to protect the SSSI.
“We've been working for a long time to secure an agreement with an angling club experienced in managing these issues elsewhere and we're delighted that PAAS are able to offer their expertise.
Andy Strickland, secretary for PAAS adds: “We are delighted to take on the fishing at this prestigious water and help the Canal & River Trust and Natural England manage the site in line with its deserved SSSI status. We will strive to ensure that anglers can still enjoy some fantastic fishing while also protecting the wildlife and features that make the reservoir such a beautiful place.”
