BEEP – Watergate Fishing Lake

In July 2025 the BEEP team were contacted to assess the energy requirements of the Watergate Fishing Lake. Already functioning as a fishing and breeding lake, the business was now expanding via the development of a series of glamping pods, and were hoping to offer accommodation to local anglers during their visits. This in turn required the installation of a previously absent electricity supply.

With guidance from the Energy Officer, Director Lee Blenkinsopp opted to invest in a fully solar powered operation, purchasing a 17.8kWh solar array and four 5kWh batteries. Whilst the site is still being developed, the financial savings are already apparent, with the installed £16,540 setup costing £32,460 less than the £49,000 quoted for a mains electricity connection. When asked about the longer-term benefits of the development, Lee explained why this was such an easy decision to make - “No bills! Fantastic!”

We revisited the lake in October 2025 to see the finished array and discuss Lee’s

experiences with the project. “(The beep team were) great, super professional” he

said, “This is a game changer for us”. With an expected annual energy need of 4,000kWh the decision to go fully solar will save the Watergate Fishing Lake approximately £1,170 per year and prevent the generation of 0.7T CO2.

“We’re a small family business with zero emissions. It’s

what I’ve always wanted!”

Lee Blenkinsopp, Director of Watergate Fishing Lake