Described in a 'Match Fishing' article as Red Hot Furnace Mill and reputedly one of Matt Hayes' favourite day-ticket coarse fisheries, Furnace Mill is set in some of the most attractive countryside in the Midlands.

Comprising four pools on a 27-acre woodland site in the heart of the Wyre Forest, Furnace Mill is about eight miles from Bewdley and 10 miles from Kidderminster.

The mill itself was an old corn mill, whilst the furnace from which it takes its name was used to make canon balls during the English Civil war.

On-site facilities include a car park and toilets plus a fishing lodge where anglers should purchase their day tickets before starting to fish.

The fishing lodge sells a range of hot and cold drinks and confectionery whilst at weekends and Bank Holidays, breakfasts and hot sandwiches are also available.

Hot food can also be arranged during the week for club matches and corporate events.

The fishing lodge is now also stocking an increasing range of baits and tackle including pellets, paste, maggots, casters, hemp, worms, meat, macaroni, catmeat, corn and flavourings.

Most of the pegs are accessible for disabled anglers and there is only one part of the fishery which is not accessible for wheelchairs.

As well as welcoming individual pleasure anglers, club contest bookings and regular open matches, Furnace Mill also stages Corporate Days which are tailored to individual company needs.

The catering for these events can range from providing breakfasts, snacks or barbecues to organising events in fully equipped marquees.

In addition, the fishery also gives angling tuition on an individual or group basis as requiredThe Furnace Mill match record currently stands at 255lb 12oz having been set by local angler Paul Cook from Stourport whilst fishing Peg 72 on Willow Pool at the end of July 2008.

Paul, who held the previous Furnace Mill record which he set at 214lb 13oz from a peg on Mucky Meadow, fished the margins with pellet to catch throughout the match.

Indeed, he was so successful that he had to ask fishery owner Ed Brown for a third keepnet.

Paul fished exactly on depth on the slope to take his catch.

Although Furnace Mill holds matches, at least 20 pegs are always reserved for pleasure anglers, even during their busiest times.

The fishery has few bait bans with the exception that artificial baits should not be used.

Anglers fishing pellets, paste and boilies should use only those which are purchased at the fishery to prevent potential dietry problems for the fish.

These are sold in 1kg bags in the fishing lodge at a price which equates to prices charged at local tackle shops.

The fishery has also introduced a two rod ticket and relaxed its rules on the use of groundbait.

Anglers can now use Marukyu or Old Ghost groundbait whether bought from local tackle dealers or the fishery.

Whatever the reason for your visit to Furnace Mill, it is always worth having a chat with Ed Brown, himself a very experienced angler, who will give help and up - to - the - minute advice to ensure you have a rewarding day.