East Cambridgeshire District Council is inviting established fishing clubs and suitable organisations to express an interest in an exciting opportunity to help manage recreational fishing at the lake within Lake View Bereavement Centre in Mepal.
The lake forms an important part of the natural setting at Lake View Bereavement Centre and provides an opportunity for carefully managed recreational fishing to take place alongside the wider use of the site.
The Council is looking for a responsible and well-managed fishing club or organisation that can demonstrate a commitment to good angling practice, environmental stewardship and the sensitive management of fishing activity.
It is particularly important that any fishing activity respects the peaceful and dignified environment of Lake View Bereavement Centre. Funeral and memorial services, bereaved families and visitors to the site will always take priority, and the successful organisation will be expected to work closely with the Council to ensure that fishing activities operate appropriately alongside the site's primary purpose.
What would the fishing club be responsible for?
The successful club or organisation would operate recreational fishing under a formal Licence to Fish and would be expected to take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of fishing activities.
This would include:
- managing fishing club membership and the conduct of members;
- promoting responsible, safe and considerate angling;
- ensuring fishing only takes place from approved fishing positions and during agreed times;
- helping to monitor and protect fish stocks and the ecological health of the lake;
- maintaining approved fishing areas and keeping them clean, safe and free from litter;
- ensuring appropriate insurance and risk assessments are maintained;
- supporting the protection of wildlife, habitats and water quality; and
- working constructively with the Council on the ongoing management of the lake and fishing activities
The Council will continue to retain ownership, management and overall control of the lake and surrounding land. The arrangement will not provide the successful fishing club with exclusive possession of the lake.
The proposed arrangement will initially operate for a six-month trial period, allowing the Council and successful organisation to review how the arrangements are working. Subject to satisfactory performance and Council approval, the Licence may then continue for a period of up to five years from the original commencement date. Subject to further satisfactory review and agreement by the Council, a further Licence period of up to five years may be agreed, providing for a maximum overall period of ten years from the original commencement date.
The successful fishing club will have no automatic right to renewal or extension, and continuation will remain subject to satisfactory performance, compliance with the terms of the Licence and Council approval.
An annual Licence Fee will be payable to the Council as part of the arrangement and will be subject to annual review in accordance with the terms of the Licence.
Interested in getting involved?
If your fishing club or organisation is interested in this opportunity, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Full details of the opportunity, including the Expression of Interest documentation, requirements for applicants, proposed Heads of Terms and details of how to submit an application, are available on the East Cambridgeshire District Council website.
Expression of Interest closing date: Thursday 7 January 2027
For enquiries about the opportunity, please contact: Spencer Clark at Spencer.Clark@eastcambs.gov.uk or Marisa Rogers-Jones at marisa.rogers-jones@eastcambs.gov.uk.
We welcome Expressions of Interest from organisations that share our commitment to responsible angling, protecting the natural environment and maintaining the peaceful and respectful setting of Lake View Bereavement Centre.