Free fishing lessons at nature reserve

Donington Pool in Albrighton has had a facelift.  To celebrate this, Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service is offering free fishing tuition with an expert coach, on Saturday 28 July 2012 at 2pm-4pm. 

The event marks the end of the £50,000 project to transform Donington and Albrighton Local Nature Reserve.  The grant was awarded by Community Spaces, and has paid for trees to be thinned, bulbs to be planted and a bird feeding station to be created. 

Dangerous fishing pegs have been removed and a new access platform has been built. Marginal vegetation will also be planted around the edge of the pool over the next few weeks. 

To celebrate the completion of the work, a family event will be held at the nature reserve. The highlight of the event will be free fishing lessons for anyone over the age of eight.  All tackle will be provided.  To book a slot, please telephone Shropshire Council’s outdoor recreation service on 01746 781192. 

Other activities on the day will include minibeast hunts in the woodland conservation area, making butterfly masks, the ‘meet a moth’ quiz, and a bird-ringing demonstration. 

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for active and healthy lifestyles, said: 

‘This project really highlights what can be achieved when the local community works in partnership with Shropshire Council to improve their open spaces.  The outcome of the grant-funded work is a much more attractive village pool, better access for recreation and improved wildlife value of the site.” 

Malcolm Pate, local Shropshire Councillor for Albrighton, said: 

“It is wonderful to see the improvements that have taken place at Donington Pool.  Visitors can now get safely down to the water’s edge to spend time fishing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.  I would like to thank all the volunteers who have worked hard as part of the project.”