Fish Stock Count Ordered Amid Concerns Over Foaming Lake

Concerns are escalating regarding the health of Jubilee Lake in Royal Wootton Bassett, England, following the appearance of large foam bubbles in the water. This incident has prompted the local council to order a fish stock count, particularly due to a previous incident in September 2024 when approximately 400 fish were found dead in the lake.

In January 2026, grounds staff noticed the foaming while inspecting the site, leading to immediate notification of the Environment Agency. On January 9, representatives from the agency conducted a survey of the area. This incident is not isolated; the Environment Agency has responded multiple times to reports of foam and contamination in Jubilee Lake over the years, with no definitive cause identified.

The earlier fish deaths in September 2024 left the community in shock. Residents reported witnessing dead fish being collected and disposed of in black bin liners, an event described as “devastating” by local officials. Former town mayor Councillor Pat Farrow expressed the community’s distress, stating, “Obviously we were very shocked – it was quite a devastating event.”

In response to the renewed appearance of foam, the Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council has announced a forthcoming stock count to assess the current fish population and determine if any additional deaths have occurred. A spokesperson for the council confirmed, “More reports of foam at Jubilee Lake have been reported to the Environment Agency. A stock take of fish will be taking place soon.”

The Environment Agency previously indicated that the fish deaths in 2024 were not linked to sewage pollution. Nevertheless, residents raised concerns again in March 2025, reporting sightings of “gunk” and “raw sewage” entering the lake from the stream. In response, the agency began weekly visits to the site to collect water samples and monitor oxygen levels.

Despite these efforts, as of now, the Environment Agency has not released any conclusive findings regarding the ongoing issues at Jubilee Lake. Community members remain vigilant, hoping for clarity and resolution regarding the health of their local ecosystem.