Burton Constable Holiday Park has reintroduced fishing activities after a dedicated effort by staff and volunteers who spent around 60 hours removing lilies from the North Lake. This hard work has not only reopened the lake for avid anglers but has also led to an innovative plan to help local underprivileged children in East Yorkshire learn fishing skills.
Lee Marshall, the Park Manager and former youth worker, has proposed a program aimed at enabling 500 children from underprivileged schools to learn fishing. This program, focusing on skill development and nature engagement, is awaiting funding from the Environment Agency and Angling Trust to come to fruition.
Lee Marshall highlighted the potential of the initiative: “Our lakes could offer so many opportunities. These children could be future fishers.”
In addition to fostering a new generation of fishers, Lee is committed to the well-being of the lake’s fish population. The lakes at Burton Constable Holiday Park are renowned for their variety of fish species and were designed in the 18th century by Capability Brown and William Constable. In partnership with the Burton Constable Foundation, the Park has worked with Aqua Contractor to maintain a healthy balance in the lake’s ecosystem, carefully managing the lily population while ensuring enough cover remains for the fish.
The removal of excess lilies has rejuvenated fishing at the park, with volunteers contributing to fish stocking efforts and monitoring the lake’s inhabitants.
Lee spoke about the volunteers’ role: “Volunteers are out there all day fishing to see what is in the lake and if there is anything unexpected.”
Jack Constable, co-manager of the Park with his mother, Rodrica, expressed his delight in the park’s initiatives: “We are delighted we have been able to carry out this work as part of our continuous care for the heritage and nature that surrounds us. In addition to this, we are excited by the plans to engage with the community and get young people fishing, and we look forward to the Park being a fishing hotspot once again.”
Plans are underway for the Holiday Park to host fishing events and family days to introduce youngsters to the sport.
Lee Marshall shared his thoughts on the project’s impact: “We have received many questions from visitors, including fishermen
