We are calling for support to help create a dedicated community fishing and wellbeing lake in Newark — a safe, accessible outdoor space focused on mental wellbeing, learning, inclusion, and positive community engagement.

At Mending Lines, we use fishing and the outdoors to support children, young people, families, and adults through wellbeing activities, community events, outreach work, and Alternative Provision support for young people struggling in mainstream education.

In a relatively short time, Mending Lines has already supported around 2,000 people across Newark and the surrounding areas. Through this work, we see first-hand the positive impact being outdoors and around water can have on confidence, emotional wellbeing, communication, and social connection.

Demand for sessions and support continues to grow, but access to suitable local waters remains one of the biggest long-term barriers.

While Newark has the River Trent and waters such as Ribbon Pond, many existing waters were not designed to support accessible community angling, structured wellbeing sessions, or outdoor learning activities. Ribbon Pond itself primarily serves as a flood control area rather than a dedicated community fishing venue.

We are also aware that some waters currently being used informally by anglers were never intended or designated as managed fishing venues and have no fishing signage or supporting facilities. This highlights the growing need for a dedicated, properly managed community fishing space where people can fish safely, responsibly, and with appropriate guidance and support.

A community lake in Newark could provide:

🎣 Safe beginner fishing opportunities
🧠 Mental health and wellbeing support
👦 Positive activities for young people
🤝 Stronger community connections
♿ Accessible fishing opportunities for people with additional needs or disabilities
🌿 A calm outdoor space away from everyday pressures
👮 Opportunities for partnership work with local organisations and local police
🎓 A place for coaches, volunteers, and anglers to share knowledge and develop skills
📚 Another safe outdoor learning base for Alternative Provision work
🌍 Education around fish welfare, water safety, and environmental responsibility

Many of the young people we work with struggle in traditional classroom settings but thrive outdoors, where they can build confidence, patience, communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation in a calmer environment.

Sadly, unmanaged waters can also become affected by litter, damaged banks, discarded tackle, and anti-social behaviour. A properly managed community lake would help encourage respect for nature, responsible fishing, and positive use of outdoor spaces for future generations.

This is about far more than fishing.

It is about creating a safe, welcoming community asset that supports wellbeing, helps people reconnect with nature, gives young people positive opportunities, and creates something lasting and valuable for Newark.

Newark has the opportunity to create something truly unique — a place where fishing, wellbeing, education, and community support come together in one positive environment.

We are asking local residents, businesses, organisations, landowners, anglers, and community leaders to support this idea and help us explore opportunities to make it happen.

Please sign and share this petition to help bring a Community Fishing & Wellbeing Lake to Newark.

Let’s build it together. 🎣