Mission and ethos
More than a pastime
Our mission is to use fly fishing as a pathway to wellbeing, resilience and personal growth. Time in nature is deeply restorative: a space to step away from life’s challenges, connect with the outdoors and rediscover balance.
Our ethos is built on inclusivity and adaptability. Many young people face barriers in education and feel excluded or left behind. By meeting them where they are, at their pace, we create a safe and supportive environment where fly fishing becomes a tool for building self-esteem, independence and confidence.
Our vision
Through days at the lake, mentorship and community engagement, we aim to:
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Inspire
Inspire people through the restorative power of water and nature.
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Build resilience
Use fly fishing as a metaphor for life, teaching patience, resilience and persistence.
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Support wellbeing
Combine mindfulness, mentorship and time outdoors to support mental wellbeing.
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Include everyone
Provide a safe, inclusive environment where people of all ages and backgrounds find calm, focus and fulfilment.
Who we are
The team
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Eddie Nye
Founder and lead coach
Since 2018 Eddie has mentored young men through A Band of Brothers. An Angling Trust coach and lifelong fly fisher, he is committed to helping people rebuild confidence, connection and wellbeing.
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Richard Nye
Director and Coach
Decades of expertise, and a deep passion for teaching anglers at every level.
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Pat Beech
Bushcraft and projects
Shares bushcraft and nature skills on school programmes and camping events.
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Maya Hampton
Marketing
Shaped and delivered the marketing that turned the idea into reality.
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Dan Young
Owner, Duncton Mill
Without his support, none of this would be possible.
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Neal Allistone
Director
When my son came into the world I found myself on a quest to learn what a father is. This somehow led to a journey into the criminal justice system. I developed a charity service in a prison working with fathers. Supported in rehabilitative groups in prison too. I joined A Band of Brothers and became a facilitator and community leader. I have developed trauma informed programmes for statutory services and probation and currently run groups in prison and support prisoners approaching release. I am a Restorative Justice facilitator registered with the UK RJ Council and deliver talks about the UK criminal justice system and Rehabilitation. In my down time I cycle and spend time in forests .
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Charles & Gaye Hampton
Charles and Gaye Hampton bring exceptional dedication and compassion to Southdown’s Fly Fishing. Gaye is an inspiring spokesperson for the Deaf community, known for founding support groups and championing Deaf rights across the UK. Charles, a leading British Sign Language interpreter, has helped thousands through his work connecting people and breaking down barriers. Together, they are generously volunteering their time to introduce members of the Deaf community to the lakes and the joy of fly fishing — embodying the spirit of inclusion and connection at the heart of Southdown’s Fly Fishing.