Since it's inception in 1893 Lark Angling has always focused on the wider nature surrounding the river as well as the fishing aspect hence the Preservation in the club’s name. The Lark is the only designated chalk stream left in Suffolk with its own head of indigenous phenotype of Brown Trout and, as a fen edge low velocity watercourse, is susceptible to be adversely affected by any changes or pollution events.

The river has undergone many changes since the industrial revolution with the main one being the canalisation almost to Bury St Edmunds which radically altered the structure and nature of the river and also the Mills impacted on storing up enough water pressure for power to turn their grist stones in the Autumn.

The main thrust of the club in recent years has been to mitigate the depredations of any negative impacts on the river and to increase the head of wild trout by improving the aquatic habitat and in doing so take an holistic approach for the surrounding fauna and flora. The reasoning behind this is that by improving the riparian environment for bank side vegetation, aquatic plants, trees, insect life as well as mammals and birds we improve the chances of increasing wild trout as well providing a greater experience for all stakeholders in the river.

To this end LAPS believes in working with collaboratively and positively with the riparian owners, the Environment Agency, the Wild Trout Trust, Natural England and other local groups.

Aims:

• Continue to improve the identified spawning areas by jetting the gravel areas.
• Clearing sections to allow connectivity and free movement of fish.
• To keep stocking at a minimum so as not to put too much pressure on wild trout stocks.
• To maintain Cavenham Mill stream, the main wild trout breeding area.
• To work towards eradicating invasive non-native species.
• Lobby agencies to install fish passes.
• To increase the pseudo-sinuosity of the river to mitigate against the effects of canalisation.
• Increase fish holding areas.
• Improve and open areas for fishing.
• To educate and involve the local community in the river by helping all age groups fish and to include disabled groups so the river is open to all.
• To keep the cost of fishing to members as low as possible.