Drought! Important information about Club rules and plans in hand to improve the Club’s offer

It is fifty years since the great drought of 1976. Then, there were stretches of the A31 that were not dualled and indeed there were major improvements under construction through the middle of Ringwood, so traffic was dreadful even without fires.  I was commuting most days through the New Forest between Poole, where I had started work in April of that year, and Winchester. I remember being stopped just outside Ferndown as a fire raged near the West Moors Army Depot and there was apparently a real risk of explosion. I also saw where flames had jumped across the road at Ashley Heath  and where the smoke was almost too thick to drive through. Today I am reasonably sure the road would have been closed. The rains that had ceased in April came in September. By that September many lakes had dropped to an all-time low – Winterborne Zelston, I am told has never been so bad since, but this year is not over!

This year is meant to be the worst drought since 1976, but the comparison is a strange one to make, as this time the evidence points forcefully to a real change in climate whereas in 1976 it was regarded as a strange once in a lifetime event.

At any of the Club’s waters and as you drive around the local countryside, the effects of the drought and high temperatures now are obvious. The Club is monitoring its coarse fisheries having stopped trout fishing over a month ago. Fish are the Club’s first priority, as without them, there will be no Club. If the position does not improve soon we may need to stop coarse  fishing on some waters.

It is at these critical times that all members become really important. The Club’s members are its eyes on the ground. If you are concerned about fish welfare in any location then please contact the Secretary or anyone else on the Committee and let us know.

In the meantime, do use common sense at the waterside. There is no swimming in any of our waters so do not start now, also no naked flames of any description please for the time being, and do not leave litter.

Before you go fishing carry out a basic health and safety assessment. Ensure you have enough non-alcoholic liquids with you, pack Factor 50 and cover up!