Furnace Brook: a Fishery with a mission

It’s autumn – a time of mists, mellow fruitfulness here at Furnace Brook near Cowbeech.  Glistening frosty dew settles on the grass and you inhale the crisp fresh morning air. As the golden sun rays emerge from between the trees and reflect upon the tranquil lake in front of you, you in turn take time to reflect. Uninterrupted peace, amidst the melodic birdsong – a haven for wildlife and humans alike. The sereneness of life in this moment is your only focus. A chance to detach from the bustle of modern life and return to a simplicity formed long ago in the natural beauty that surrounds us at Furnace Brook. Einstein said “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better”. This sentiment is very much at the heart of what we aim to do here, working in harmony with the natural world and its multi-faceted ecosystems. 

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

At this time of the global and ecological long emergency, we need to explore new models that point directly to the regeneration of our communities and the restoration of the natural world – we can all be such explorers, starting simply from where we are in our lives and enterprises.  Over recent years Furnace Brook has been transitioning from being a mixed coarse fishery and fish farm into an Arts and Ecology Hub. The team have been gently reshaping and enriching the land and lakes through the collective application of ‘Permaculture’ principles (a holistic and common sense design approach focused on the management of land and lifestyles aligning with nature’s designs). 

The approaches taken, and partnerships developed, have resulted in Furnace Brook recently being certified as a Gold Standard member of the UN’s ‘Generation Restoration’ Partnership where the team are actively working in response to the UN’s call –

“Earth needs help. The climate emergency, the loss of nature and deadly pollution threaten to destroy our home and eliminate many of the millions of species that share this beautiful planet with us.  But this degradation is not inevitable.  We have the power and knowledge to reverse the harm and restore the earth – if we act now.
“This is why the United Nations has declared the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.  Individuals, groups, governments, businesses and organisations of all kinds can join forces in a global movement to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation and secure a sustainable future for all.”

Furnace Brook – A Hub for Rural Micro Enterprises

Furnace Brook, nestled in a secluded valley within the protected landscape of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, operates through a Community Interest Company where the team are working with partners on a range of regenerative design approaches, researching and prototyping models for sustainable living and supporting resilient communities.  The site acts as a hub for a range of emerging sustainably-focused micro-enterprises, including a craft brewery, as well as offering courses, venue hire and accommodation. 

Getting Involved in Biodiversity Monitoring at Furnace Brook

The team is delighted to now provide the opportunity for anglers and others visiting Furnace Brook to support our ongoing biodiversity monitoring programme. We are endeavouring to get everyone on board with this undertaking, assisting us with measurable indicators that show the progress being made to ensure the restoration of our ecosystem. The data provided helps in turn to guide and inform our ecological approaches to then set further goals and help nature help itself.    

The ongoing management plan is particularly focused on enhancing the ecosystem of the main lake, enriching and creating an environment for the fish to thrive in. The diverse ecosystem includes a very wide variety of fish species, helping provide an exemplary fishing experience for visiting Anglers. The overall approach to the management of the lake is with the aim of encouraging an increase in the number of amphibians, birds, insects and, in particular, invertebrates which are the starting point to ensuring a balanced and diverse web of life.

Sitting at the water’s edge and embracing the stillness and calm, your eye is suddenly drawn to a dash of electric blue and copper, a Kingfisher diving for a quick hunting spree. When you take the time, you’d be surprised just how many different species you can spot. And this is where we invite you to get involved! We have created a helpful bird spotting guide for you to report on your sightings. With more species on the red list of conservation concern than ever before, participation in monitoring and conservation has never been more important. Your crucial data will allow us to better understand the resident and migratory species here at Furnace Brook, enabling us to target our action in order to better improve habitats, breeding and feeding opportunities.

Improving our own Health and Wellbeing

The natural world is a complex web on which we all rely, but protecting it doesn’t have to be a chore and getting lost and transported in the flora and fauna has a proven positive impact on our well-being. Research studies[1] show how angling is very much a form of ecotherapy. There is also increasing body of research showing that immersing yourself among trees can reduce your blood pressure and stress levels, improve your metabolic health, lower your blood sugar levels and improve your pain response. Trees produce natural oils called phytoncides, these oils can lower the symptoms of depression & anxiety, improve mood and increase concentration and memory. At Furnace Brook aborculture and horticulture are important focus areas for the team through the establishment of new nursery areas from which a wide range of saplings (including 18 different varieties of Willow) are grown and planted elsewhere, alongside the many fine existing mature trees on site.

The pace of life in these times can often be exhausting. Taking a step back and retreating to a simpler way of living, even for an afternoon, can be enough to instil a deeper sense of restfulness and a much-needed rejuvenation. Meanwhile a collaborative ‘win-win’ world can be created through social enterprise, collective action and smart citizenry – a world where humans live in harmony with nature, providing our needs in a way that also helps to replenish the natural landscape. 

We hope all those visiting can take the opportunity to unwind, relax and recharge, alongside possibly picking up some new skills and insights from our emerging range of courses and events

We look forward to seeing you!

 For more information please visit  www.furnacebrook.co.uk

[1] ‘Angling and Personal Health & Wellbeing’ by Dr Paul Stolk (2010)