Orchard Fisheries was founded by Graham Quick in 1998 after the sale of his previous business, a water garden and garden centre. "A life long passion for fish pulled me towards sturgeon" he said. "I bought my first sturgeon (Sterlets as I soon found out) in 1990 and from that day on the species was at the top of my must have list. I soon realised that no one knew anything about them and my quest for information started." With a long background in fish keeping and having worked with many fish farmers he soon found people willing to help. After a number of years researching sturgeon he started the UK's first true sturgeon farm (rather than being just an import and sell the next day 'farmer').

When as a youngster he started working on a fish farm in Hampshire the owner, a 4th generation carp farmer, once told him that "The fish are only as good as the water quality they live in and food they eat." Being somewhat puzzled by this (he was only 12 at the time) he asked why. The farmer went on to explain that the environment is a major factor that will determine the quality of life and health of the animal. The food being another important factor as: "You are what you eat."

Graham has this year (2008) sold the premises and is emigrating to New Zealand where he plans to start a new venture and open a garden centre with his partner Gill. I wish them both all the best I'm sure they will do well.

I first met Graham nearly 20 years ago and we have worked together for many years. I have also worked on other fish farms, fishing lakes and in various aquatic retail shops (koi, coldwater and tropical fish) since I was 16 (I'm now the wrong side of 40). I joined Orchard Fisheries in 2004 and have been very privileged to learn about sturgeon from Graham, they are quite remarkable fish.

Graham has left me the web-based side of the business (this web site) which we started together in 2005. The business is devoted to the well being of fish and the quality of their environment (your pond) by supplying great quality foods and good service without breaking your bank account. Graham has also left me his excellent sturgeon information pages www.sturgeon-web.co.uk which complements our own fish information pages www.pond-life.me.uk. Together we believe they make an excellent resource for sturgeon, koi, pond and fish keepers.

Terry White.
Orchard Fisheries.