Anglers who fish for fun could be reeling them in now a new lake has opened at the Wick Country Park, in Wickford.

Spread over four acres in beautiful countryside, the lake is stocked with an impressive range of freshwater fish giving experienced anglers and beginners alike the opportunity of landing a rod bender.

With the emphasis on family fishing, the lake is well-stocked with perch, roach, bream, tench and rudd.

The lake was officially opened at a special ceremony by national angling personality and TV star John Wilson. John, who is a regular presenter of TV and radio angling programmes, got the proceedings underway with a short talk in the park’s visitor pavilion. Guests were then escorted on a guided tour to see for themselves the natural wonders of Basildon’s newest country park which, since opening its gates two years ago, is already a sanctuary to many rare and endangered species of birds and insects.

John Synnuck, Chief Executive of BCHA, and one of the country’s top anglers, said: “We are delighted to be involved in supporting this excellent project. As a local housing provider, we seek to continually improve the facilities available to the community.”

Work began on the lake at the end of 2001 after receiving major funding and support from Cleanaway Pitsea Marshes Trust and Basildon Community Housing Association. After being filled with five million gallons of water, it was left to develop its own ecosystem with minimal influence from humans.

Reed beds are now established in the shallower areas, attracting rare species of birds such as warblers and cuckoos, and exotic insects which will encourage bats, endangered through loss of habitat, to hunt and feed.

“The new lake offers unrivalled facilities for the serious and novice angler and, at the same time, hopefully encouraging families to get hooked on the sport and enjoy it in a friendly atmosphere” said Councillor Malcolm Buckley, Leader of the Council, and a very keen fisherman himself.

“We are proud to give such positive support to the sport of fishing in the District. This lake will complement the well used waters at Gloucester Park, Northlands Park and Lake Meadows owned by the council and run by Mick Toomer on our behalf.
“ I believe we are one of the very few Councils across the country doing any similar work to encourage interest in the environment through the nation’s most popular participant sport”, he added.