A nature sanctuary and fishing school have been launched in a bid to get youngsters off their couches.

The Woodhouse Mills Nature Reserve has opened its gates in an unlikely location – behind Syngenta chemicals off Leeds Road.

The project is the work of Lockwood man Steve Kelly, who used to fish in the ‘ICI ponds’ as a boy.

Steve, along with business partner Chris Ward, have spent six months organising a clean-up of the site and agreeing a lease with the firm.

Said Steve: “The idea is to provide something that can get kids off their settees and into sports.

“I’ve got a background in fishing and I thought it was a shame nobody does a proper course for kids.

“My grandad taught me to fish here a long time ago and I’ve done a similar project when I lived in Tenerife.

“Unfortunately, I was very ill and was forced to return here. But because I got a second lease of life I was determined to do something to help others.

“It’s already paid off as the other day we taught someone with Downs Syndrome how to fish. The look on his face when he caught his first one made it all worthwhile.”

Volunteers, including Steve’s mum and dad, helped clear the overgrown site and they have since seen an astonishing amount of wildlife including deer, badgers, newts and even grass snakes.

Woodhouse Mill Ponds on Leeds Road in Deighton.
Woodhouse Mill Ponds on Leeds Road in Deighton.

Community relations manager for Syngenta, Carl Sykes said: “When Steve and Chris first approached Syngenta, we were not only impressed with their enthusiasm and vision but also the responsible way they approached business in their proposal.

“It’s fantastic that these ponds can be brought back into community use and the agreement we have reached should give both parties what they need and Learn2Fish the independence to achieve their long term vision.”

Steve’s plans for the Woodhouse Mills sanctuary also include creating a dipping pond for all schools in West Yorkshire to visit for free, preserving and increase the numbers of insects and animals on the site, developing a woodland area, and building a classroom.

The two-day learn to fish course is already up and running and participants benefit from an official certificate, a rod licence and �140 of free equipment.

Steve is also looking for more volunteers to help with the social enterprise and is interested in hearing from companies who would like to sponsor certain parts of the reserve.

Web: www.learn2fish.ltd.uk