An 18 pound carp was the biggest fish netted from Feltham Green pond as part of a major clean up.

More than a tonne of debris including bicycles, scooters and traffic cones were also pulled from the water, along with around 1,000 fish – many of which were re-homed at Bedfont Lakes.

Aquatic life became seriously endangered over the past few months after issues with reduced oxygen levels due to no fresh water supply, and a clogged up and filthy pond which consisted of rotten food, animal waste, and refuse all thrown in the murky waters.

Initial works included circulating water and adding oxygen by pumping the water in and out of the pond with diesel pumps.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, cabinet member for leisure and public health, said: “The pond and the wildlife it supports are suffering from serious oxygen depletion issues, which we are hoping to address with these works. Approximately 70 per cent of the fish in the pond have been moved to Bedfont Lakes, and we’ve removed over a tonne of debris, including bicycles, scooters, shopping trolleys, waste bins and traffic cones.

“This will help ease the pressure on the pond and protect the remaining fish stocks, while we look at longer term options to improve the site for the public to enjoy.”

An 18 pound carp found at Feltham Green Pond
An 18 pound carp found at Feltham Green Pond

Despite a strict no fishing policy there was discarded fishing tackle strewn around the lake, posing a further risk to wildlife, and people, which has also been cleared away.

The fish caught were a mix of common carp, mirror carp and roach and were moved last month to the under stocked fresh waters of Bedfont Lakes where they remain for now.

Future plans include further netting and draining the pond although the council is looking into securing funding for these wider improvements.

Local historian Eddie Menday was pleased to see the works taking place and said: “There’s a pipe leading from
the Longford River to the pond which helps keep the level topped up but the inlet valve gets all silted up so they need to sort that out.

“It’s a very historic pond, many years ago horse and carts were allowed into it in order to cool the wheels after long journeys and there’s even a rule in place banning locals from cleaning their cannons in it.”