Wine estate near Stourbridge looks to reel in visitors

Nestled within the Halfpenny Green Wine Estate are three picturesque pools which have often been described as the estate’s ‘best kept secret’.

An original pool (Moorhen Pool), middle pool (Heron Pool), and lower pool (Mallard Pool) are all stocked with a variety of carp, roach, bream, gudgeon, chub, tench and perch, each setting boasting between 28 and 30 pegs.

With waters recently restocked - the pools provide the ideal balance between challenge and reward.

For £9 per rod (or £8 for anglers over 65), visitors can enjoy a 12-hour fishing experience in a scenic and unique environment for enthusiasts of all abilities.

Fishery manager Michael Godsafe is dedicated to maintaining the estate and its pools which are in a naturally shaded yet open environment - offering some of the healthiest waters around.

His path to becoming fishery manager, however, was far from conventional.

A former jockey, Michael’s career took an unexpected turn after a serious injury left him with a broken back in two places. Fishing, however, provided him with a sense of salvation, eventually leading him to Halfpenny Green where estate owners Clive and Lisa Vickers quickly recognised his passion and expertise.

Michael, aged 53, said: “Fishing has always been a passion of mine. It has allowed me to switch off and escape the stresses of life, over the years.

“When your float goes under and you feel that first pull on the line, there’s nothing quite like it. The sport has always been there for me, so to work in a role like this means a great deal as you can imagine. I take great pride in making the fishery the best it can be, and it gives me an enormous sense of satisfaction to see visitors enjoy the lakes just as much as I do.”

He added: “Our wines always leave a lasting impression on the palate, but I like to think our fishery does the same for the soul. It’s a place to unwind, to challenge yourself, and to connect with nature. There’s not many vineyards that can say that!”