Mirehouse pond (as the reservoir was locally known) was built in 1917 on an 11 acre site of former fields.   Being a natural valley a earthen dam was built to the southern end of the site forming a 10 acre reservoir with varying depths of between 0.8m and 5.7m (2.5ft to 18ft) used to maintain a water supply to the Stanley Pond and associated pumping station, further down the St. Bees valley. The water was then pumped from Stanley pumping station to the Ladysmith and Haig Colliery on Kells, to wash coal.

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In September 1982 following an act of vandalism where the retaining sluice plates were removed caused Mirehouse Reservoir to drained down, decimating the existing natural fish stocks and almost all other pond life. following repairs and in order to prevent a re-occurrence, the reservoir site owners (British Coal Open Cast) approached Haig Colliery Management team and employees with a view to forming an fresh water angling Club.  After several meetings to discuss and clarify ideas and needs, an inaugural meeting of interested parties was held in January 1983 and a committee of colliery employees, Copeland council representatives and a local tackle shop owner was formed In early February the well established "HAIG ANGLING CLUB" was officially formed. The forming of this club would have the benefit of creating an amenity for the colliers, the residents of both Mirehouse and the surrounding area while also helping prevent further damage to the site. 

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The Rules and Constitution on how the club would be run were developed, a lease for the site was then agreed between the club he site owners British Coal Open Cast. T draw in interesting anglers both coarse and game fish (rainbow trout) were introduced into Mirehouse in February 1983. The Club Committee and members then began the arduous task of opening up paths and creating angling pegs. 

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Haig Angling Club was officially launched at a sponsored Fishing Tackle Exhibition in the Civic Hall, Whitehaven in the March 1983.  A healthy membership of senior, junior, disabled and OAP's was quickly achieved and the Club was officially launched in April 1983 with the opening of the fishery, by the singer Dana.  Over the next few years the membership grew  quickly to 300 with a healthy waiting list for membership, demand on the water increased, so the club began looking for other potential waters and were fortunate to secure a lease on Mockerkin Tarn, another 10 acre facility offering an additional resource in the form of predator fishing for the membership.

 

During the early 1990’s as British Coal was being disbanded and its properties sold off, they approached Haig Angling Club with a view of them continuing to be responsible for managing the site through taking ownership. During the legal process to transfer ownership it was realised that Mirehouse Reservoir was included in the reservoirs act and there there were no records of  build nor any records of structural inspection a legal requirement under the Reservoirs Act every three years - a structural inspection  was therefore deemed necessary.

 

In 1994 after an inspection by Certified Engineers, (compounded by the lack of available records to verify the initial construction design), it was recommended the dam undergo significant improvements to attain current standards in order to remain as a 10 acre water. These improvements would allow the reservoir to remain as was, within the requirements of the Reservoir’s Act, and as such going forward would require the dam to be inspected every three years.  Any subsequent requirements from those inspections would have to be financed and completed.

 

The amount of finance required to complete the work (> £200000) and maintain the inspections (£3000+/per inspection minimum) could not be justified by British Open Cast. It was quickly established that the Club was unable to finance the inspections going forward or potentially the impending costs of remedial actions. Therefor British Coal made the decision to taking the remaining water body outside the requirements of the reservoirs Act by breach the dam to reduce the water levels by 4m reducing the water volume and leaving half the site as a potential bog - a devastating blow to the Club.

 

The Senior Club Officials in position at the time,  worked tirelessly to prevent the club from folding.  Holding several meetings with British Coal representatives, and collating information from Fishery specialists, they collectively identified a means to reinstate the site to a viable fishery.  Failing to make any progress and the threat of loosing the site permanently discussions with local MP at the time, Dr Jack Cunningham, resulted in a meeting with the Head of British Coal was arranged. This resulted in a subsequent change of mind by British Coal, who also appointed new personnel to liaisons with Club Officials, develop an agreed way forward.  This new positive coalition resulted in the development of new designed fisheries. British Coal Open Cast then agreed to fund the shortfall in cost to develop the site. The Club committed all it's finances to help fund the construction of a two pond facility - as seen today.

 

Work began in spring 1995 to slowly drain the water level down and again drain the reservoir - only this time  Club members assisted the Environmental Agency in a two day "fish rescue" where in excess of 145,000 mixed species of fish were removed and transported to the Club's other water  (at the time) Mockerkin Tarn, and other local fisheries with a view to returning what could be recovered back to Mirehouse on completion of works for re-stocking.

 

British Coal completed the remedial works to remove Mirehouse Reservoir from the effects of the Reservoir Act, and the club, (with the help of British Coal) engaged a local contractor to create a ‘Two Pond system’ - designed by the club officials. The design including islands in both ponds, to promote safe havens for wildlife.  Replanting of the site was undertaken by Haig AC members utilising 1,500 trees, shrubs, reeds, and supplied grass seed. With Iris’s that were removed during the work being replanted at the water’s edge thus returning the site to its former semi-wild state.

 

Grants were sought and Seventy-nine fishing platforms installed, ten specifically designed for wheelchairs users, compacted hardcore paths were added  to provide easier access for the elderly and mobility impaired to sixty four of the remaining fishing pegs.

 

As the site is a water catchment area for the adjacent fields and Mirehouse estate, there is a continuing need for ongoing maintenance to ensure drainage ditches and culverts are maintained, along with the access and facilities for anglers (including car parking space for members and visitors to ensure cars do not impact on the busy Mirehouse Road).  Several seating areas were installed making the site user friendly for elderly or mobility impaired visitors, or people just wanting to relax and view the wildlife on the site.

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The Club operates an open membership and encourages the youth of the surrounding estates to become members and get involved in angling and the care and maintenance of the site.  The membership of the club has continued to manage and maintain the fishery in an effort to prevent vandalism, and at all times the protection of wildlife is paramount.  To this end club has encouraged schools and other organisations to use the site for field studies.

 

The club committee holds regular meetings and in March each year holds its AGM for the election of officials and committee.

The membership considers Mirehouse Ponds an asset to the community and intends to run the site for as long as possible for the benefit of all.