A change in people's attitude to work-life balance as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic led to an increased demand for fisheries between April and June 2020 with lifestyle and semi-commercial venues particularly appealing to purchasers, according to fishery sales specialists Fenn Wright. Describing 2020 as one of the most extraordinary years in the company's 252 year history, Fenn Wright added: "With heavy restrictions on foreign travel and people wanting to be active outside, the domestic leisure and holiday market became a very attractive proposition. Specifically, we received a lot of interest in semi-commercial or lifestyle properties deriving an income, together with residential properties with water for private use." Follow this link for the full story.

The owners of Bedfordshire's Three Island Lake have decided temporarily to close the venue until further notice to enable maintenance work to be carried out. We will update their page once work has been completed.

Worcestershire's Furnace Mill has decided to close during Lockdown 3 to ensure the safety of anglers and staff. In a statement, the owners said: "We are aware that fisheries are allowed to be open but we have taken the tough and financially challenging decision to remain closed at this time. We do not want to encourage our loyal customers to break the law and travel out of their local area to fish here - let's face it there is nowhere local to here!."

Warwickshire Country Parks have gone cashless and simplified its day ticket prices which means anglers fishing Kingsbury Water Park now need to visit the nearest Pay and Display machine located in the staff and disabled car park near the main entrance. Anglers should select the correct tariff for the lake they wish to fish and pay a single fee by card. The fee now incorporates the cost of car parking. Anglers should keep the fishing ticket with them so it can be checked by rangers on the bankside. It is no longer necessary to purchase a separate car parking ticket. Annual permits remain the same.

Prices are now £7.50 for adults on all pools with the exception of Pine Pool, £6.50 for concessions and £9.50 for Pine Pool (no concessions).

Following a problem with otters, Butlers Hill Fishery on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border have moved their stock of carp from Middle Pool into Island Pool but have left the silver fish alone. The fishery also plans to have Middle Pool fenced and restocked by March 2021. The fishery has also moved its opening time from 7.00am to 8.00pm.

Shropshire's Betchcott Lake will become a members only day ticket water from 31 July, 2020. Although membership will be free, numbers will be capped. Day ticket prices for members will remain the same at £6.00 for one or two rods and £7.00 for three rods. Invited guests who fish with a member will be charged £8.00. Anyone who is not a member will be denied access as the gates will remain locked at all times with members being given a code for the gate and updated when the code is changed. Anglers interested in becoming a member should email betchcott.lake@gmail.com

Because of the effects of the Covid 19 virus we have decided to hold off publishing details of Rosefern Pool. However, here's what you will be able to look forward to when spring eventually arrives!

A little known but delightful pool hidden from the main A44 Worcester to Leominster road as you enter the market town of Bromyard, Rosefern Pool was for many years run as a syndicate water but opened for day ticket angling early in 2019 and has already attracted a small but faithful local following. Stocked with more than a dozen species including carp reputed to run to 20lbs, it is an easy water to fish with natural grass pegs and few facilities except for a hard standing car park. It is ideal for parents with younger anglers as the roach and roach/rudd hybrids can give you virtually a fish a cast.

Worcestershire's Broad Acres Fishery has introduced mid-week one-to-one fishing tuition for new, novice and experienced anglers. The two hour sessions cost £10.00 for juniors under 16 and £20.00 for adults plus the cost of the day ticket. Tackle and bait will be provided for anglers who have not fished before although existing anglers should bring their own tackle and the bait they wish to use. Phone Pete Rice on 07510 697224 or Mandy Morgan on 07866 721141 for further information or to book.

Fisheries.co.uk has its own Facebook page where anglers can post photos, stories and comments on their latest angling antics. Why not share your latest catch or leave a message by following this link or clicking on the Facebook logo to the left. See you there!