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Angling wins as bizarre ‘Biodiversity Ban’ is lifted

by Angling Times |

Updated on17th March 2026 at 10.43am

North East Derbyshire District Council has reached a constructive short-term agreement with Clay Cross Angling Association to allow angling to resume on the Wingerworth Lido. The agreement, supported by the Angling Trust, will enable fishing to continue while the next phase of ecological work begins to protect and enhance the site.

The short-term fishing licence follows extensive engagement with local residents, environmental organisations and the angling community, while reflecting the Council’s commitment to finding a balanced approach that supports both community recreation and nature recovery.

The new licence includes clear, proportionate conditions designed to complement the emerging Biodiversity Improvement Plan for the Lido. These safeguards ensure angling may continue in a controlled way that protects wildlife and supports habitat recovery, whilst the Biodiversity Improvement Plan is being developed.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the Angling Trust have played an important role in shaping the agreement. Their independent expertise has helped bring together environmental and angling interests, demonstrating that biodiversity enhancement and responsible angling can work side by side.

Fishing will resume on the Lido | ©Big Duffs Fishing

The council will shortly begin conducting ecological surveys at Wingerworth Lido. The findings will inform a comprehensive Biodiversity Improvement Plan, setting out a long-term approach to improving biodiversity at the site. This work will also help guide any future fishing licence arrangements.

Jamie Cook, Chief Executive of the Angling Trust, added: The Angling Trust has been supporting Clay Cross Angling Association in dialogue with NEDDC to agree options for the return of managed angling to Wingerworth Lido building on our experience of successful partnerships with wildlife trusts and angling on designated nature reserves.

"We appreciate that the Council has wider biodiversity objectives for Wingerworth Lido but these are in no way incompatible with sensibly managed recreational fishing. We have offered our assistance to both the club and Council in organising community events at the Lido to introduce more people to the joys of fishing and to help them engage with nature.”

All smiles as fishing returns

Bill Parkin, Chairman of Clay Cross Angling Association said: “For over 25 years our members have put their heart and soul into caring for Wingerworth Lido, and it is fantastic that we can now put the past few months behind us and local people can once again enjoy fishing at this beautiful place.

The public support we received in the recent consultation was tremendous and we are looking forward to working in partnership with NEDDC, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and the local community to make Wingerworth Lido a place for everyone to enjoy.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Cllr Nigel Barker said: “There has been a lot of interest in what is happening at Wingerworth Lido, with strong opinions from all sides. For me, it has always been about balancing the statutory responsibilities of the Council with activities that the community wants to see on the site.

We’ve listened carefully to residents, local groups and expert organisations to find a practical way forward that works for people and for nature. By working closely with Clay Cross Angling Association, the Angling Trust and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, we have agreed a short-term arrangement that supports biodiversity improvement while recognising the long-standing value of angling as a positive community activity.

The next stage is to carry out the ecological surveys and develop a Biodiversity Improvement Plan, and we look forward to working with residents and local groups to shape a shared, sustainable future for Wingerworth Lido.”

Hollie Fisher, Head of Consultancy at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust “Wingerworth Lido has long been a part of the local landscape, both for wildlife and the community, and we are pleased to be working with North East Derbyshire District Council, local stakeholders, and the community to help create a wilder space where people and nature can thrive together.

“As a designated Local Wildlife Site, it’s crucial that the Lido is managed and restored in a way that supports the species that rely on it, while continuing to provide a valued community space. The ecological surveys we have planned for this spring will help develop an evidence-led restoration plan that prioritises biodiversity while remaining accessible and welcoming for visitors.

“Although the site’s ecological decline has been a concern, the council’s recent proposals for how it could be managed have sparked important conversations, demonstrating what is possible when communities come together.”

James Duffy has been instrumental in getting fishing to return | Credit: Big Duffs Fishing

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance said: “We are pleased that after long last a new angling licence has been signed for the Wingerworth Lido. We must, however, ensure fishing exists at the lido for the long term."

"A massive thank you to local anglers and supportive councillors for standing firm, especially the mighty Big Duffs Fishing, Dominic Webb and councillors Ross Shipman and David Hancock. North East Derbyshire District Council’s bizarre decision to ban the activity was an appalling error of judgement, made worse by their refusal to admit the extreme error of their ways despite huge public protest.

"The decision was bad for the environment, biodiversity and the local community. We had no choice but to fight back hard and the Countryside Alliance is proud to have played its part in making it a national story. Without that, I fear the council would have got away with it. Keep an eye on what your local council gets up to. Don’t let it happen at a lake near you"

A hard fought battle from all involved!

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