Following an act of vandalism in September 1982, resulting in the total drain down of Mirehouse Reservoir and the Decimation of fish stocks and all pond life.
The site owners British Coal Open cast approached management and employees of Haig Colliery to see if there was enough interest in forming an Angling Club, which would create an amenity on Mirehouse and prevent further damage to the site. An inaugural meeting of interested parties was held in January 1983, a committee was formed and Haig Angling Club was launched at a Fishing Tackle Exhibition in the Civic Hall, Whitehaven in March 1993.A healthy membership of senior, junior, disabled and OAPs was quickly achieved. A lease was then agreed with the site owners and fish were introduced into Mirehouse, and in April 1983 an official opening of the fishery, by the singer Dana declared the club open.
The Club operates an open membership and encourages the youth of the surrounding estates to become involved in angling and the care and maintenance of the site. The membership of the club has continued to manage and maintain the fishery in an effort to prevent vandalism and at all times the protection of wildlife is paramount. To this end we have encouraged schools and other organisations to use the site for field studies.
The club committee holds monthly meetings and every March holds its AGM for the election of officials and committee.
Our rules and regulations can be inspected on request.
The membership considers Mirehouse Ponds an asset to the community and intends to run the site for the benefit of all.
In 1994 after an inspection by Panel Engineers, it was found the dam required major repairs to keep inside the Reservoir’s Act. The amount of finance required could not be justified by the Open cast and the decision was taken to breach the dam and reduce the water volume. During this period Haig Angling Club secured a lease on Mockerkin Tarn to ensure its survival for its membership. The members assisted the Environmental Agency in a two day fish rescue to remove 145,000 mixed species of fish which were saved and transported to other fisheries.
As a temporary measure the Open cast transferred ownership of the site to the Miners Welfare Scheme. After a long period of time a ‘Two Pond system’ designed by the club and accepted by all parties was produced. All necessary permission and finance was obtained by Haig and to this extent all funds held by the club were committed to the project enabling the site to be restored for the community. With this in mind, the committee decided to seek help from outside organisations to maintain and improve the site.
To comply with the Reservoir’s Act two ponds have been constructed. This work was undertaken by a local company at the time in the local press.
Replanting of the site was undertaken by Haig and 1,500 trees and shrubs were obtained and planted by members, also reeds and Iris’s were replanted at the water’s edge to form habitat for birds and invertebrates. The remaining areas of the site sown with grass seed to return the site to its former state.
Seventy-nine fishing platforms installed, ten especially for wheelchairs, connecting pathways were added to thirty-six platforms for easier access for the elderly and disabled.
A main consideration in the design of the project was to include islands in both ponds to promote a safe haven for ducks and other wildlife. This has been achieved.
Phase 2
FUTURE PROJECTS
Better access and egress to the site from the Mirehouse Road and increased car parking space for members and visitors. This would contain all parking on site and not obstruct the busy Mirehouse Road.
The construction on site of some form of seating enabling elderly visitors from the local ‘Orchard Court’ Home to rest while walking round the site.
The upgrading of pathways to ensure able access to all areas for disabled and infirm. At present the foundation of a stone path is around the perimeter of the site and could be improved.
As the site is a catchment area the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure drainage ditches and culverts are maintained. To this end , the club would like to purchase the necessary equipment to carry out this work. (Various hand tools.)
To buy and erect on site warning signs and suitable safety equipment, also general signs advertising the amenity, and on a wider front to advertise the amenity in suitable Tourist Brochures. This would be an added benefit to the local community with holiday makers attracted to the area.
To purchase and fit bird and bat boxes to the relevant areas to promote the increase of wildlife on the site.
To purchase the necessary equipment to start training programmes for local youngsters interested in fishing and the ongoing care of the site. This would be a tremendous asset to the local youngsters, particularly during the long summer holidays, and would instill a sense of awareness in their local asset.
The site is destined to be the finest Coarse Fishery in the Northwest and as such will draw people into the area.
The assistance of funds now would enable us to reach this goal and continue to improve.