Work begins to remove non-native fish species from Melton Country Park

A major operation is about to get underway to remove a non-native fish species from Melton Country Park.

Fencing and pipework has been installed at the dam as well as the bottom lake as the work is about to get underway.

Topmouth gudgeon are small freshwater fish native to Asia and are highly territorial. Recognised as harmful to the environment, the Environment Agency has an active programme of eradication.

Introduced as an ornamental species with subsequent escapes into natural waters. The small adult size facilitates escape from enclosed stillwaters and quick colonisation of connected waterbodies.

Work is to be carried out in both lakes at Melton Country Park. Photo: NEMM

The operation will include cutting back marginal vegetation, temporary fencing around the middle and bottom lakes, pumping of water from the middle and bottom lakes and treatment and removal of non-native fish species from the middle and bottom lakes.

The Environment Agency have confirmed they do not have clear timescales completion of the project.

Dog walkers are being urged to keep control of their dogs during the works and not to let them enter the water.