Background Information
The Thames Valley Angling Association was created in 1997 to secure fishing rights on rivers and lakes where clubs could no longer afford them and were in danger of losing them completely.
The TVAA had secured funding from Thames Water to carry out numerous fishery improvement works on the River Thames following a large pollution incident.
One of these improvement works was the installation of recycled plastic fishing platforms and large willow tree clearance at the Weir pool at Sandford Weir, Oxfordshire.
Scope of the Project
The aim of the project was to construct recycled plastic fishing platforms, supplied by Marmax Recycled Products on the bank and over the water at Sandford Weir.
A number of large trees were also felled to create access for anglers, increase light penetration into the river to promote macrophyte growth. The project aimed to aid angler accessibility and safety if wishing to fish at this productive spot.
Being a public area the project was planned and delivered with minimal disturbance to the public and wildlife.
Our Solution
Four standard fishing platforms supplied in kit form by Marmax Recycled Products and approved by the TVAA and the Environment Agency were installed on the River Thames at Sandford Weir. The platforms measured 2m x 2m and 1.5m x 1.5m and were made of brown recycled plastic.
Clearance of Himalayan Balsam, emergent grasses and floating vegetation was also necessary to improve accessibility and make the area fishable. In addition to this a number of large fallen willow trees that were identified to be inhibiting anglers were also removed from the river using our specialised MultiOne Mini Loader winch.
The arising’s from which were then chipped and spread on the ground to create paths and suppress weed growth up to the newly installed platforms. During the entire works, strict health and safety procedures and pollution prevention measures were employed due to the nature of the construction site and its location on the River Thames.
