Stonham Barns Park in Stonham Aspal has new outdoor sports and angling shop

A new fishing and field sports shop has arrived with a bang at Stonham Barns Park in Stonham Aspal.

Run by Ian Woods, from Eye, the new business is looking to support sports enthusiasts from the region who are looking to make the most of their time in the great outdoors.

Anglia Fishing and Field Sports is selling new and second-hand fishing tackle, bait, seat boxes, rods, poles and field sports accessories, including airgun scopes and pellets.

Mr Woods, 57, started fishing while growing up in Epping, before developing a passion for game keeping in rural Essex on a local estate.

At 15, he took a job in the Scottish Borders as a gamekeeper and has not looked back.

“It was cold and bleak,” recalled Ian. “But it’s where the adventure really began, and I have worked as a gamekeeper and pest controller ever since.”

Mr Woods worked in fishery management at Suffolk Water Park, Ipswich, before moving to Stonham Barns Park to help upgrade and develop the lakes for fishing and leisure.

“It was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down,” he said.

“The shop is designed to help people who want to buy and sell fishing gear, particularly as their hobby develops. It’s proving to be popular as people want to continue with their fishing interest but not at any expense.

“I am developing second-hand sales, as well as buying in new stock to supply both fishing and fields sports equipment.

“People today need to connect with nature more than ever and fishing and field sports are great for being outdoors, where stress levels instantly drop away.

“I hope that fishing and field sports can keep evolving and adapting to encourage future generations to participate.

“It’s activities like these that optimise our mental health and enjoyment of life.”

q To find out more about Anglia Fishing and Field Sports, go to www.angliafishingandfieldsports.co.uk.