Astwell Mill has been a part of T&DAA since the early 70's. It established itself as one of the best fisheries in the county, especially for it's excellent stock of Rudd & Tench.

In recent times, the fishery has suffered from an increase in Canadian pondweed which has taken its toll on both the fish stock and the swims becoming overgrown, which in turn has seen a decline in membership. This decline in membership has also seen the clubs funds suffer as a result, funds that were needed to tackle the weed problem. Very much a Catch 22 situation.

We have been lucky enough to receive a grant from the Environment Agency for the sum of £4k, which will go a long way towards purchasing the necessary chemicals we need to eradicate the weed and build up of silt.

But that is only half of the battle.

Our main priority now is to ramp up current improvement works to Astwell Mills top and bottom ponds. We have estimated that £3k will significantly help fund better access across to the far bank and to improve the road-side bank with a view to making it better and safer for all, especially for the disabled anglers within our community.

That is only the beginning. Longer term plans and ambitions include improving access from the road down to the bottom pond, along with an eventual increase in stock at Astwell Mill.

With this financial help, we believe that this will increase our membership back to a healthy number. In doing so, we can become self-sufficient once again. And with our rapidly developing plans for the future, our self sufficiency will aid to further develop our other fisheries, Seven Acres and sections of the River Tove among them.

In order for those ambitions to come to fruition, we need the funds to get us started and help them to become a reality.

Please give generously.

Thank you.

***UPDATE***

Our first working party took place on Sunday 15th April.

A lot of hard work took place with overhanging trees being cut down and removed, swims opened up and Siltex has been spread across the entirety of the top pool.

I can assure you that this is just the start. Lots of work still to be done.

Your donations will go a long way to keep the work going.

***UPDATE 2***

Further work has been carried out quite substantially over the last couple of months ready for the new season. We're already seeing notable improvements on the silt levels, and it's also having the desired effect on the weed issue. Almost all of the swims need little to no dragging, with only the two bigger problematic areas needing further work (which will take time. This stuff is very difficult to tackle).

We do realise that our overall target is quite a large value, but we have to be realistic with what we are aiming for. Our EA grant has been incredibly helpful to get us to where we are, and we want to ensure that this work can continue for the benefit of everyone.

Anything you can donate will be so greatly appreciated, and it will go a long way for us to achieve our goal.