Dear Member,

One of the waters ODAA offers is a long section of the River Medway and River Eden centred on Penshurst.

I hope the information I supply will enable ODAA members to access the venues there, bearing in mind the Close Season of March 15^th-June15 applies on the main rivers (but not

‘The Backwater’ which offers year-round fishing)

The Rules as they apply to Penshurst (PAS) waters are shown below.

Both rivers run largely over clay geology and this means they can be ‘flashy’ – when there is heavy rain they quickly rise and that can lead to flooding, so bear that in mind. The rivers are ‘natural’ – there are fast, shallow glides, and some deep pools. There are areas out in the open, and others tree lined. In some places, there are fallen trees and broken down weirs. All the usual coarse fish are present in the venues, with barbel being a target for many. Chub are common, and dace, gudgeon, roach, perch and pike are also to be found throughout.

It is possible to walk a long way from each access point, but what I say here assumes that most people will stay close to the main / most comfortable access points. The map shows the venues in full detail.

Starting from downstream, the first venue is Ensfield Bridge (and in each case I give the closest postcode followed by What3Words)

TN11 8RZ

curl.scarcely.giant

Right hand bank upstream.

Some deeper pools here but very popular at times with wild swimmers and canoes.

It has become a bit of a ‘leisure venue’. Some way upstream, in the centre of the river, will be seen streams of bubbles. This is Tapner’s Hole and the bubbles are from an underground spring, not a shoal of bream!

The next access point is in the Penshust Estate grounds, enter under the brick arch and look

out for the PAS car park on the right hand side (contact ODAA for gate code.)

TN11 8BJ

shut.shunts.unrealistic

Walk over the Queen Anne Bridge and left and right is ‘The Backwater.’ This is more like a canal, with numerous deep excavated (many years ago) holes in the water. Walk a bit further (with the sewage farm to your right) and you will come to the river and the bridge over.

The next access point is on the Fordcombe Road.

TN11 8DS

lawns.important.detriment

This is the ‘Long Bridge’ with a couple of roadside parking spots in the lay bye. Walking back towards Penshurst, there is a track on the left that leads up along the River Eden, a smaller version of the Medway and a bit of an unknown quantity.

The next access point is at the upper river boundary, in Nashes Farm.

TN11 8EN

whizzing.resettle.media

The river here is narrow and fast flowing, and parking is next to the farm.

It is important to note that the information I supply is given to the best of my knowledge,

but if there are any doubts or queries, make sure they are addressed before fishing!

Penshurst AS Rules

1) If you are requested to vacate any area to allow a Penshurst Estate shooting party, you must immediately do so.

2) Family picnics or similar are prohibited and any non-fishing persons must sit in close proximity to appropriate member.

3) NO fishing after dark

4) NO dogs allowed

5) Keepnets are permitted for silver fish only

6) Persons must not walk through or fish in any woodland, thicket, or pheasant covert adjoining the river

7) Fishing all year round on The Backwater. (On the rivers the close season still applies)

8) To identify you as an angler to the keepers, always leave a beermat on the car dashboard.