2) "We want to catch lots of fish..."
We find, at Meon Springs that certain people get "hooked" on the sport.  At this stage, all they want to do is catch lots of fish (expensive though that can be).  If they're lucky, they have lots of fish loving relatives or a local pub that will put trout on the menu. (nothing better than getting paid for your hobby!!). 
 
3) "We want to catch a Big Fish..."
And then - there's the stage of hunting a big fish.  Quite often, at Meon Springs, we won't see anglers at this stage as they head to the Big Fish waters such as Dever Springs or Avington.  That said, some anglers will appreciate the value in stalking the bigger fish amongst the smaller ones, rather than taking an over fed monster from among many.
 
4) "We want to catch lots of Big Fish..."
 We definitely don't see anglers in this bracket - as their focus is very different to what we offer... 

5) "We like to fish. No matter what..."
Once an angler has been through the above four stages of the angler's life, they can often become quite relaxed and are happy to fish no matter whether they are catching big fish, small fish, no fish, lots of fish.  It just comes to enjoying the sport in beautiful surroundings, with comaradie and companionship.  Fly fishing really is a sport of life.

Through my years of being at Meon Springs (Greg), I have noticed many anglers go through these stages and - they are not linear.  Many anglers will go through these stages many times through out their fishing life.
 
Here at Meon Springs you will find help to get through the first two stages, with Experience Days and Taster Sessions, as well as helping you with the stalking skills to pick a big fish out from the crowd. (the third stage, that we can support with a One to One).  And when you've been round the stages a couple of times, we are also here as a beautiful water with challenging catch and release lakes to enjoy as part of your fishing repetoire, alongside perhaps exploring new avenues of fishing like the sea anglers mentioned above or some of the renowned fly fishers who venture onto the great rivers, such as The River Test.

We are always keen to learn of your fishing experiences and would love to hear any stories of your first fishing experience, or a memorable moment where you perhaps moved from one stage to another - please leave a note in the comments below.

Henry Ford once said ​“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”  I would suggest that he is absolutely right and it is a beautiful moment when one observes a team working together in a fully functioning way. 

Regretfully, we all know that this is not always the reality in a business for many reasons such as unclear direction, limited support, poor organisation.  As well as isolation, disconnection, bullying and power struggles.  And on an individual level, poor self esteem, imposter syndrome, anxiety and lethargy.

Quite often the logical solution for the business is clear as day to the outsider and also those in the business often know what needs to happen, yet these human problems and issues prevent what needs to happen from actually happening.

So what's the solution.  -IMHO, I would suggest that the first step is complete acceptance that these issues are all very human and extremely common in many companies.  For as long as we see each other as separate, different and we are in a competitive environment, there will always be conflict.   

Secondly, I would look at the structure and leadership of the company.  Are the goals clear and well communicated?  Is there good organisation and feedback?  What is the level of tolerance to poor behaviours and how are poor behaviours dealt with.  These kind of actions will at least help everybody to pull in the same direction.

Thirdly, I would find a way to bring people together in a different environment, where they can have some fun together and see each other in a different light.  Very often the problems arise because of false stories that people make up about each other.  If these can be gently surfaced and released and whole new lease of energy and engagement can arise.

Building a team is an ongoing and ever changing process.  If you're a leader focusing on and facing up to the human issues, you will be 99% more successful than most.  And as you will know, it isn't always easy.

At Meon Springs, we offer the opportunity to bring teams together for meetings and other activities that help build teams.  Our environment is quite unique and not necessarily 100% comfortable.  Our meeting room is in an 18th Century barn, which is spacious and quite airy.  Many of our corporate activities (fishing, shooting, bushcraft, axe throwing, archery) are mainly outside, which can be challenging for some, particularly if the weather is inclement. 

Interestingly, what we often find is that the more inclement the weather the stronger the team comes together and the more memorable the day.

We do also offer indoor options such as art courses and wellbeing sessions like yoga.  This gives helps teams develop their creative abilities and learn how to relax and be comfortable in each other's company.  

One of the best activities we offer is the Team Camp or Yurting Experience.  This is where the whole team come and stay in our Yurt Village for 24 hours.  On the first day, they might have a meeting and do some teambuilding activities after which they have an evening of campfires, barbecues and fun.   The shared accommodation might not feel comfortable at first - however by the end of the experience, this has generally been overcome and many close friendships have been developed. ​

So, how is best to choose your Glamping break?  Firstly, as with all decisions, it is good to zone out a little and consider the context of what you are looking for.  Is it, for example, a family holiday?  A getaway with your partner?  A sporting or activity break that rocks your boat (talking about boats, maybe it's more of a sailing holiday that you are looking for).  And when you're doing this - don't be selfish.  Consider what your partner or children want.  Perhaps your partner is a keen angler - in which case a break in one of our Shepherd's Huts by Meon Springs Fly Fishery would rate highly in your consideration.  Although it might be that your partner really prefers luxury comforts - in which case, you would probably fare better to take them on a spa holiday. 

When it comes to Glamping, there are many shapes and structures to choose from.  Each with there advantages and disadvantages.  Below is a list of some of them, with a few comments, which you may or may not have considered.​