Angling - Tarn walkway project safeguards haven (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Angling - Tarn walkway project safeguards haven

10:42am Thursday 7th July 2011 in Sport

ANGLERS have benefitted by a unique project in co-operation with English Nature at Skelsmergh Tarn near Kendal.

The tarn, off Shap Road on the outskirts of Kendal is owned by the Taylor family and leased to the Kendal club for anglers to use.

A well-established fishery, it holds good stocks of large tench to 9lb, perch to 4lb and rudd. but it is also rich in rare flora and fauna and insect life.

This year ten new platforms and a walkway from the main entrance have been constructed this year thanks to a grant from Natural England to protect the tarn, which a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

It has transformed the fishery into a premier South Lakes water, says Tony Ryan of the Kendal club.

A Natural England spoeksman said: “Skelsmergh Tarn is a hidden gem tucked away in a valley north of Kendal.

“ It is a haven for wildlife that relies on water and wetlands and the mix of open water, fen and wet woodland means it is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.”

The tarn is fringed by bogbean and water lilies and provides a home for aquatic insects and water snails, while the surrounding wetland supports many types of flowers, including meadowsweet, devil’s-bit scabious, lousewort, grass-of-Parnassus and the carnivorous sundew.

In June the wet woodland is ablaze with marsh hawk’s-beard, a northern England speciality.

She added: “Natural England has worked closely with the landowner and Kendal and District Angling Club to safeguard the wildlife of the tarn.

“ It is supporting sympathetic management through its Higher Level Stewardship scheme and has funded the construction of a new boardwalk and pegs so that angling club members could have safer access to the tarn, while reducing the impact on wildlife and habitats on the tarn’s edges.”

Access is to anglers only and day tickets and club memberships are available from Carlsons tackle shop in Kirkland, Kendal.

Care must be taken as the water is deep and all anglers under-16 must be accompanied by an adult and in the summer months lily pads thrive and strong tackle may be required.