New fishing platform is a Hampstead Heath first

Recently HAHAS installed a new fishing platform on the Model Boating Pond, amongst reeds in the northwest corner. It has transformed a tight, awkward swim into an excellent one, with great command of the water:

This is the first such platform on the Heath. Most importantly, it makes the pond accessible to disabled anglers like Chris Kimberley (shown below), who suffers from osteo-arthritis and has impaired mobility. He can drive his scooter straight onto it:

Chris says: “I can’t fish the north and south banks of the pond because of loose pebbles and uneven ground, while on the east bank my scooter gets in the way of passers-by. This new platform is brilliant for me – it is smooth, level and off the main path.”

This project started in early 2023, when HAHAS applied to the Environment Agency (EA) Fisheries Improvement Fund. To qualify for the money, which comes from rod licence fees, we needed to demonstrate our commitment to improving angling opportunities for local people. We did that by referring to our school tuition programme and Give Angling A Go events, plus our long track record working with the City of London Corporation (CoLC).

In late 2023, with the CoLC confirming their support for this initiative, the EA approved our application. With assistance from CoLC ecologist Adrian Brooker, we then devised an implementation plan and engaged specialist providers Stillwater Management to carry it out. The work was completed on 17-May-2024.

HAHAS chairman Bob Gibbs commented: “This is a significant win for all the anglers on Hampstead Heath and I would like to thank the EA and CoLC for making it happen. HAHAS believes that by co-operating with the Heath authorities we can improve angling access, and this outcome can only reinforce that view. I urge local anglers to join HAHAS and help us continue to give angling on the Heath the voice it deserves.”