An angling club is fishing for planning approval as they want to make improvements to a secluded pond near Butser Hill.

The access and drainage improvements that Petersfield & District Angling Club want to carry out at Bopeep Pond will especially benefit disabled members.

The pond, around half a mile west of the Weston junction on Ramsdean Lane, is a hidden gem and a haven for wildlife, regularly attracting grey herons and kingfishers.

Their proposals include installing eco-sustainable Permigrid on the 16 by 20 metre parking area off Ramsdean Lane.

The improvements are desperately needed as the site often turns to “slurry” during wetter periods, making parking impossible for months.

New soakaway drainage is also proposed with run-off being directed to a separate adjacent pond to support water regulation and ecological balance at Bopeep.

The application also includes the creation of accessible pathways and direct fishing platforms that will provide disabled anglers and other users with “safe and equitable access” to the pond.

“This project seeks to deliver environmentally sensitive improvements,” said a spokesperson for the PDAC in their submission to the South Downs National Park Authority.

“These will be particularly for disabled anglers and those attending free community angling events hosted by the PDAC Development Programme.

“The works will provide long-term benefits to both recreational users and the surrounding ecosystem, aligning with sustainability principles and equality of access.”

For more details about the application or to comment, type SDNP/25/02391/FUL into the search browser after following the planning link at www.southdowns.gov.uk

If you fancy getting into angling then it’s worth visiting their stall at the Southdowns Show next Saturday (August 9) at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Visitors can expect a casting challenge and magnetic fishing game, with exclusive early bird half-year membership applications also available.