Nature Still Matters

Local fishers want to see more wildlife at the lodge

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Fairshare’s and Middleton Anglers have teamed up to put Rhodes reservoir back on peoples visiting list.

The big lodge at Rhodes has been given a new lease of life, thanks to a much-needed injection of new fish.  The once popular reservoir has seen numbers of visiting anglers fall to an all time low due to poor or non-existent catches.  It is hoped than an injection of new fish will breath new life into the lodge and encourage people to visit the site once again.

Over 4000 fish were stocked as part of joint project between Middleton Angling Society, Rochdale MBC and the Mersey Basin Campaign that aims to improve the lodge as a fishery and to engage youngsters from local groups to develop a passion for angling.  It is also hoped that future-planting works will encourage a greater diversity of wildlife to the area.

Funding came from the Middleton Fairshare’s project, which is aimed at making better use of Middleton’s river valleys for responsible recreational pursuits by improving facilities and access within the area.  Future works will include further access works in Alkrington woods and Hopwood woods local nature reserves.

“It was very positive to see how many members of the angling society turned out to assist with the stocking.  Hopefully we will see a return of the days when the lodge was a thriving fishery.  We are keen to improve the infrastructure of the lodge to benefit more members of the community and encourage a greater variety of wildlife by creating additional habitats.”

“The place has so much potential. I really like the idea of building a new bank along one end of the reservoir, so it can be access for all. Rhodes was packed out at one time, it would be nice to see people return to see the wildlife. If we found the right money we could turn the place around”.