Fishing and recreation feedback report – March 2026

This report covers the feedback we received from customers for March and what we are doing to make improvements.


Sites covered

  • Clatworthy
  • Durleigh
  • Hawkridge
  • Sutton Bingham
  • Tucking Mill

Our mentions

  • 35

    customers said our staff/rangers are friendly and helpful.

  • 23

    customers said their day out and overall experience was enjoyable.

  • 14

    customers said our sites have a beautiful setting and peaceful atmosphere.

  • 10

    customers said our sites have quality fish and offer good sport.

What our customers have said

Our response to feedback

Clatworthy Reservoir

Customer feedback

Our response

Many comments ask for more flexible ticket choices (e.g., morning half-day, varied bag limits, or clearer season-ticket options). Exploring a small set of trial products could improve perceived value without changing the core offer.

(Raised 11 times.)

A range of smaller operational questions were raised. Capturing these into an FAQ (on-site and online) would help staff answer consistently and reduce repeat queries.

(Raised 10 times.)

Customers are still experiencing friction when booking online (especially on mobile/bank approval). Please prioritise smoothing the payment journey and reducing duplicated admin steps so people can book quickly and confidently.

(Raised 6 times.)

Some anglers are concerned about stock levels, predation damage, and occasional poor water clarity. Reassuring updates on stocking/predator management and visibility of what’s being done would help maintain confidence.

(Raised 4 times.)

Access and parking convenience is a recurring theme, especially around Brown Lane and overall car-park capacity. Any practical steps to reopen/clarify access or add spaces would make visits easier for a wider range of anglers.

(Raised 3 times.)

Durleigh Reservoir

Customer feedback

Our response

Later closing times were requested so anglers can fish prime evening periods. If full extension isn’t possible, communicating seasonal hours and the reasoning would still help expectations.

(Raised 2 times.)

A range of smaller operational questions were raised. Capturing these into an FAQ (on-site and online) would help staff answer consistently and reduce repeat queries.

(Raised 2 times.)

A few customers noted friction around how swims are booked/used. Clearer options in the booking process and simple on-site etiquette reminders could prevent misunderstandings.

(Raised 1 times.)

Predation and stocking were raised and customers would welcome reassurance. A short update on what monitoring/stocking is planned would answer the concern quickly.

(Raised 1 times.)

Hawkridge Reservoir

Cutomer feedback

Our response

A range of smaller operational questions were raised. Capturing these into an FAQ (on-site and online) would help staff answer consistently and reduce repeat queries.

(Raised 11 times.)

Several practical visitor-experience items came up—access/parking, toilets and simple refreshments. Addressing the most straightforward wins here would have an outsized impact on satisfaction.

(Raised 10 times.)

Several customers are struggling with online booking on mobile and accessing concessions/discounts. Please review the booking flow and ensure discounted rates are clearly visible and reliably applied.

(Raised 5 times.)

There is repeated demand for catch-and-release or a “mixed” ticket option. Even if policy remains unchanged, publishing the rationale clearly would help staff handle questions and reduce frustration.

(Raised 5 times.)

Comments suggest worries about stock levels/size and predation-related fish damage. Visible action (and communication) on stocking plans and predator impacts would help manage sentiment.

(Raised 4 times.)

Sutton Bingham Reservoir

Customer feedback

Our response

A range of smaller operational questions were raised. Capturing these into an FAQ (on-site and online) would help staff answer consistently and reduce repeat queries.

(Raised 16 times.)

There are repeated requests to reinstate a fish cleaning/gutting facility. If reinstatement isn’t feasible, clear signage to the nearest alternative and the reasons would help set expectations.

(Raised 6 times.)

Catch-and-release or “mixed” ticket options are being requested  regularly. Consider whether a small pilot or clearer policy explanation could address this recurring question.

(Raised 4 times.)

Customers raised this as an area to improve. Please review the comments and consider a practical next step that staff can communicate clearly.

(Raised 3 times.)

Customers miss simple refreshments on-site (tea/coffee/vending) and see it as a quick comfort upgrade. Even a basic machine in the lodge would be well received.

(Raised 2 times.)

Tucking Mill

Customer feedback

Our response

The single response flagged water-margin cleanliness and concerns about wildlife/fish activity. A visible check and a short update on what’s being done to protect the fishery would be reassuring.

(Raised 1 times.)