Fishing Lakes and Lake Naturalisation

Update

As you may be aware consultation was carried out earlier this year regarding proposals for a new approach to the management of several small pools in the city. I write to confirm that feedback has been received. Along with many positive comments, we have also received a few concerns regarding the impact of additional planting on ecology and water storage capacity; we have also been made aware that there was a fault with the e-mail address we provided on our website in relation to the consultation.

Based on this feedback, the proposals have been re-considered and amended - we have now removed our plans for pond planting. Please see below the proposed revised approach along with further information and an updated e-mail address for use should you wish to provide feedback.

Background and proposed approach

During summer 2025, long dry spells caused several ponds to dry up. This led to low oxygen levels and sadly, fish deaths. These ponds depend on rain to stay healthy, and with climate change, these problems are becoming more common.

Most of these ponds weren’t originally made for fishing. Over time, local people added fish, and some areas became informal fishing spots. In a few cases, angling clubs were involved, but with limited success.

To tackle these issues, we’ve been working with the Environment Agency to create a long-term plan for managing ponds across the city. Together, we’ve identified five ponds that regularly face problems, are not suitable for fishing, and often raise concerns from the public.

What’s changing?

We’re going to naturalise the following five ponds:

• Acreswood- Brammer Street, Tunstall, ST6 7QY
• Bridgetts Pool- Brookfield Road, Trent Vale, ST4 6PW
• Bolton Gate- Weston Road, Weston Coyney, ST3 5ET
• Tiddlers- Arbourfield Drive, Eaton Park, ST2 9LU
• Corkies Pool- Vivian Road, Fenton, ST4 3LN

This proposal means that we’ll focus on creating healthy habitats for wildlife and wildfowl and fishing will no longer be allowed at these sites, nor will the introduction of additional fish stocks which can cause further imbalance to the natural ecosystems . Where a pool is designed to have a water storage function to help mitigate flood risk issues these will continue to be monitored and managed for that purpose.   

What will be done?

• Remove fishing pegs and install signage advising ‘no fishing’ and ‘do not introduce fish’

These changes will help make the ponds safer, more sustainable, and support nature to adapt to the changing conditions.

What you need to know

• These five ponds are not managed by fishing clubs and are not classed as community fishing waters.
• We’ll share updates through signs on-site, local communications, and media.
• We’ll also let you know about alternative fishing spots in the city:
  • Central Forest Park – No day ticket needed, just a rod licence
  • Hanley Park – No day ticket needed, just a rod licence
  • Visit the council’s website for other waters managed by fishing clubs (membership or day tickets may be required)

Have your say

If you’d like to share your thoughts on these plans, please email: environmentalclient@stoke.gov.uk

Deadline: Sunday 22 February 2026.

All feedback will be considered, and final plans will be published on our website by the Sunday 15 March 2026.