Retrospective wild swimming plans for West Midlands fishing lake

Retrospective plans to turn a fishing lake into a wild swimming space have been put forward.

Broadfields Wild Swimming and Wellbeing opened in Cutnall Green, near Droitwich, two years ago.

Owner Jenny Thomas had wanted to provide a wild swimming venue without the water pollution often found in rivers and lakes.

Plans submitted to Wychavon District Council say the site is “in demand and already reaping a significant level of benefits”.

“The applicants identified an opportunity in around 2023 to make better use of the lake resource in order to benefit the local community,” the plans state.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and wellness activities have become increasingly popular; the applicants recognised that this lake was ideally suited to swimming use due to its size, depth, levels and water quality. The first wild swims took place in May 2024.

“Demand for the wild swimming facility has been strong and the site now proudly supports a community of local users.”

Facilities include gravel pathways, a small timber decking area and ramp, picnic tables, a warming cabin, a changing shelter, toilets and a small sauna cabin.

The applicants say they have no plans to add anything further or expand into alternative offerings.

“The natural surroundings at the lake have been, and will continue to be enhanced, alongside the wild swimming use.

“Many trees have already been planted around the site under an England Woodland Grant Scheme and the applicants intend to plant more behind the sauna cabin in due course.

“The applicants are in the process of establishing a wildflower planting area and have also positioned some beehives to the north of the lake.”

Wild swimming sessions take place five or six days a week and cater for up to 25 swimmers at a time.

There is also the occasional special event such as a solstice, full moon or charity swim.

Around 200 regular swimmers make up the core community, supported by a team of 20 volunteers who are rewarded with free swims.

The business is in the process of recruiting its first employee – a part-time swim session manager.