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A strange looking duck has landed on the lake, to me it looks like a female Mallard with very light coloured plumage, however if you know different please let me know.

Lots has been happening at the lake with some nice fish being landed. Now that the Carp have finally spawned they are starting to get their heads down and are feeding at last.

From my observations, spawning was difficult for them this year. We had a very good spell of weather in April - May then a sudden air-temperature drop with a lot of rain in June, this effectively lowered the water temperature and delayed the spawning.

The lake is absolutely stunning at this time of year  with all the water lilies in flower showing you where the shallow margin's are located.

Above is the view into 'No? Carp corner' it is 5' to 6' deep here with a hard smooth clay bottom.

Right is looking along one of the margins in the bottom end bay. Under the lilies and trees the bottom is gravel and 3' to 4' deep. 8' from the bank the shelf drops of quickly to a hard smooth clay bottom another 7' to 8' down.

Do you put your hook bait on the top of the shelf, half way down or on the bottom, maybe under the lilies or under the over hanging tree's. If you kneel down and explore the margin bank you can find where the bank is under-cut by 3'. Maybe a bait placed in here!!! Or you could try finding the open water features.

The Awning Cafe kitchen garden has produced plenty

The courgettes are in full flower (left) and have already been harvested for a couple of meals. The Pea's are sadly finished for another year though.

On the plus side we still have spring onions, lettuce and tomatoes to enjoy as well as  herbs and Nasturtium flowers to add to the salad bowl.