Brief description of fishery:
Renamed from Willows in 2024 in honour of ex-chairman, David Marshall is the largest of the three lakes in the Rawlings Retreat complex. It has 35 pegs – of which 3 are wheelchair platforms – on its 2.5 acres, and is approximately triangular in shape. It is a shallow lake, mostly around 3-4ft in depth. Though a mixed fishery, there are a large number of carp to double figures, making it a popular water. Periodically the fish that have grown larger have been moved to other NAA lakes more suitable for their size. There is also a good head of mid-size bream and tench – both of which were stocked in 2023 and some crucians to 3lb+
Ayling Island” is named after the club chairman at the time of construction. Popular methods include casting a method feeder close to this island, and fishing the margins, but most techniques and baits are likely to work. There are no pike and minimal crayfish attention. Because of the popularity of the lake and its small size, we operate a one-rod only policy for all members, though as an experiment 2-rods has been allowed since Winter 2022.
Special Rules for this fishery:
Fishing is only allowed with one rod even if a two rod permit is held (this may be relaxed in Winter – see above)
Address
One of our three lakes behind the Discovery Centre, Lower Road Thatcham, RG19 3FU.
Access & Parking
Turn into the Discovery Centre entrance and keep straight down Muddy Lane with the Discovery lake on your left. Turn left at the end of this lake to come to a double- gate to Rawlings Retreat. Through the gate is a carpark, Marshalls is the larger lake to your right. PLEASE KEEP BOTH GATES LOCKED AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT OTTERS ENTERING THE COMPLEX
Maps
Species
- Perch
- Roach
- Bream
- Tench
- Rudd
