Breaking Coarse Fishing News !!
 19.06.07
White Acres Gets Whitewashed !!
The 11th 2007 Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier at White Acres last weekend was won by Steve Denmead, a waggler expert from Frome in Somerset who outwitted the rest of the field to book his place at Doncaster ....
[Read More]
28.04.07
Together we can – The message for angling
The 2nd AGM and Conference of the NFA has been held at Holme Pierrepont last weekend where 75 delegates from clubs around the country attended to see the progress the organisation has made in the last year......
[Read More]
26.01.07
Restaurant owner fined for polluting river
The owner of a Wiltshire restaurant was today ordered to pay £34,881 in fines and costs after sewage effluent above its consent level polluted the River Avon. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.....
[Read More]
23.01.07
New push to safeguard salmon on the river Tavvy
Salmon and sea trout in the River Tavy, Devon, are to be given a boost by the Environment Agency with a series of improvements to help fish migrate upstream.The Environment Agency will be spearheading several projects alongside other partners, including South West Water, to directly improve river habitats and to address obstacles to salmon migration in the river which runs from Dartmoor down through Tavistock and finally into the Tamar estuary....
[Read More]
29.12.06
West Somerset rivers and streams – We need your views!
The Environment Agency is asking the people of West Somerset to comment on the future management of local rivers and streams.They have until January 19, 2007 to respond to the West Somerset Streams Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS) ...
[Read More]
19.12.06
Maintaining biodiversity on the River Avon
A new Environment Agency report detailing ‘How our work helps biodiversity’ reveals the conservation and ecology outcomes for England and Wales since the turn of the century...
[Read More]
04.12.06
This year, a lot of anglers have commented on the immaculate conditions the Lakes and grounds were in during 2006. Thanks to our Grounds Man Phil, all the Gorse was removed from the Islands and lake side Banks....
[Read More]
23.10.06
Dr. Dylan Bright, Director of the West Country Rivers Trust was honoured by the
Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA), when it presented him with its £4,000 Annual Award for Best Fisheries Project with Environmental Benefits, in recognition of the outstanding work achieved during the Cornwall Rivers Project...
[Read More]
18.09.06 CHALLENGING DISADVANTAGEAt 121 Youth Befriending we recruit and train volunteers from the local community to provide the necessary skills and support to young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives... [Read More]
12.09.06 NEWBARN FARM CATCH REPORTSNewbarn Farm Angling Centre offers coarse fishing on six ponds and lakes set in a beautiful sheltered valley close to Paignton, Torquay, Totnes & the South Hams area of South Devon. Click the link to view the latest catch reports... [Read More]
04.09.06
Over 10,000 budding anglers cast a line for the first time during National Fishing Week (August 19-28), an increase of around 30% on previous years....
[Read More]
17.07.06 YOUNG PEOPLE'S ANGLING PROJECTThe Young People’s Angling Project, hopes to introduce young people to the delights of fishing and along the way develop social skills and environmental awareness. Saturday 22 July sees the start of this innovative project to help youngsters gain confidence and self-esteem with the aim of reducing the risk of them becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour... [Read More]
13.07.06 HOLIDAY FISHING AND FOREIGN DISEASESNow that the summer holidays are upon us many anglers will be heading abroad on fishing expeditions. Whether it be to the Continent or to more exotic climes, some simple precautions need to be taken to ensure you do not bring back any alien fish diseases or parasites.... [Read More]
05.07.06 ILLEGAL NETSMEN CAUGHT REDHANDED ON RIVER PIDDLEA police helicopter helped Environment Agency officers net three poachers on the River Piddle in Dorset yesterday. The trio were caught red-handed removing fish from an illegal net they had set at a point where the Piddle flows into Poole Harbour. The Piddle is an important spawning river for salmon and sea trout. The use of fixed nets is prohibited... [Read More]
27.06.06 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PREPARES FOR SHOWDOWN WITH TOP MOUTH GUDGEONA fast-breeding alien fish that has colonised two East Devon lakes and is threatening to wipe out the local fish population could soon be facing extinction itself. This week the Environment Agency is taking the first steps to eradicate the Top Mouth Gudgeon from lakes at Bicton College and Bicton Park Botanical Gardens... [Read More]
15.06.06 ANGLERS URGED TO REPORT FISH DEATHSThousands of fish have died in waterways across England over past few days in the lead up to tomorrow’s opening day of the coarse fishing season, with freshwater species failing to cope with plunging oxygen levels in the hot weather... [Read More]
09.06.06 GET A LICENCE OR GET HOOKED !!Although most of the country will be probably be in the grip of World Cup fever during June and stuck in front of the television, some people will still be out fishing illegally. However, they face a possible fine of £2,500 and a ban as the Environment Agency prepares to crack down on people fishing without a valid rod licence across England and Wales from June 16 to 25... [Read More]
07.06.06 NEWBARN FARM ANGLING CENTRE AND 10K TAGSThe first full month of the UK's biggest angling competition, 10k Tags, has seen 228 prizes claimed already. That's an average of 7.6 prizes every day! And many of them are being scooped up at Newbarn Farm Angling Centre... [Read More]
05.06.06 NATIONAL FISHING WEEK 2006National Fishing Week is an annual celebration of one of the country’s favorite pastimes. Every year, millions regularly fish the nation’s sea, shores, rivers, lakes and canals. National Fishing Week is your opportunity to join in! Planned events take place between 19th and 28th August... [Read More]
01.06.06 WELCOME BOOST TO SALMON STOCKS ON THE RIVER FOWEYAnglers have helped by returning more of the salmon they catch. This, in turn, has boosted the number of breeding fish. In 1994 only 16% of salmon were returned unharmed to the river... [Read More]
25.05.06 FILHAM SET FOR NEW FISHING LAKEA new £70,000 coarse fishing lake with special facilities for young and disabled anglers opens at Filham Park, Ivybridge on Sunday 4 June. The completion of the Filham Lake is the result of a successful partnership between the Environment Agency, Ivybridge Town Council, and local anglers from the Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club... [Read More]
02.05.06 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ATTEMPTS TO HOOK WOMEN ANGLERSYou have heard plenty about it … but the push to get more women into angling has begun! The number of females going fishing is a pitiful five per cent of the UK angling population. That figure led to the Environment Agency including women of all ages in the latest recruitment drive... [Read More]
26.04.06 NEWBARN FARM CATCH REPORTSNewbarn Farm Angling Centre offers coarse fishing on six ponds and lakes set in a beautiful sheltered valley close to Paignton, Torquay, Totnes & the South Hams area of South Devon. Click the link to view the latest catch reports... [Read More]
25.04.06 ANGLING FOR ALLThe Environment Agency today announced its plans to attract an extra 200,000 people to fishing in the next 10 years. Outlined in Angling in 2015, the Environment Agency sets out its plans for the sport and how it will work to increase the social and economic benefits angling provides over the next decade... [Read More]
24.04.06 GET A LICENCEIllegal anglers will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide over the May holiday weekend as the Environment Agency cracks down on people fishing without a valid rod licence... [Read More]
24.04.06 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY TRIES TO HOOK NEW ANGLERSThe Environment Agency in Somerset has teamed up with the Bridgwater Angling Association to offer free course fishing coaching sessions for any aspiring angler at the Dunwear Lakes, Bridgwater... [Read More]
01.04.06 BUY YOUR 2006/07 ROD LICENCE ON LINEAnyone over the age of 12 fishing in freshwaters in England or Wales must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Money from the sale of licences helps to fund the EA's work on managing fisheries. If you are caught fishing without one, you are cheating other anglers and could be fined up to £2,500... [Read More]
23.03.06 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ANGLING SURVEYAnglers are being asked to help in a survey about patterns of angling activity and spending across England and Wales in 2005. The research team is asking everyone who went freshwater fishing last year to complete a questionnaire on-line... [Read More]
02.03.06 HEALTHIER FISHERIES MEANS HEALTHIER LOCAL COMMUNITIESHealthier fisheries means healthier local communities and economies was the message from the Environment Agency at the launch of 'A better environment, healthier fisheries: better fisheries for our nations' today. Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries said "Fisheries is about more than just fishing and our work is a key influence on local economies throughout England and Wales... [Read More]
20.02.06 NEW FOR THIS SEASON AT LAC DU PELERIN, FRANCELac Du Pelerin is a stunning carp fishing venue nestling amongst 83 acres of beautiful French countryside. Mature woodland and fields give the carp angler and his family total seclusion. In addition to their popular flight packages - Stansted to Poitiers, now available pick-ups from La Rochelle, with flights from Birmingham, Southampton, Dublin and Glasgow... [Read More]
16.02.06 RIVERBANK EROSION SLOWED WITH TREE PLANTINGThe Environment Agency has come up trumps in the search for a "green" solution to an erosion problem on the banks of the River Otter. A fencing and tree planting project has been agreed in an attempt to slow down bank erosion and provide good wildlife habitat on the west bank of the river... [Read More]
10.02.06 KELLY HOLMES UNVEILED AS SCHOOL SPORT CHAMPIONDame Kelly Holmes was recently named the first National School Sport Champion in a bid to get more of the nation's children involved in PE and school sport. The double Olympic champion celebrated the launch of her new role by joining Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, and pupils at Acland Burghley School in London recently... [Read More]
02.02.06
PROJECT TO RESTORE ENGLAND'S WETLANDS
A 50-year project to restore and repair England’s most damaged wetlands could see the return of otters, bitterns and other rare and threatened species, help to reduce flooding and secure the future of wetlands in an increasingly dry climate...
[Read More]
19.06.07 - White Acres Gets Whitewashed !!
 The 11th 2007 Fish ‘O’ Mania qualifier at White Acres last weekend was won by Steve Denmead, a waggler expert from Frome in Somerset who outwitted the rest of the field to book his place at Doncaster.
At the draw the rain was pouring down and the traditional seaside resort of Newquay was not quite what some of the competitors had hoped for. However, although it was raining the fishing was good and the venue which sponsors the England Ladies team provided some high quality angling.
It was Pollawyn Lake which proved the most successful providing four of the top six anglers, all with weights over 100lbs. When asked about the day Clint Elliot, local organiser for the qualifier commented,
“All the lakes fished well and have been performing recently: however Pollawyn just seemed to have the better anglers fishing it and they took full advantage.”
The winner Steve Denmead is Managing Director of engineering company Keyford and is well known for being a waggler specialist. Steve used his experience to take a great 227lbs 12ozs including 39 carp and 5 big skimmers. Fishing from peg 25, Steve caught 11 fish in the first hour averaging around 6lbs a fish.
When asked about his outstanding victory Steve commented,
“As soon as the match started you could tell there was a lot of fish in the bay where Adam Rooney, Andy May, Adam Wakelin and I were fishing so we all knew that we were in with a chance. I was able to catch steadily throughout the match and with a good start and equally good finish I knew that I had an opportunity to win it. In the last hour, I caught a 14lbs ghost carp and then immediately caught another 14lbs fish, this one being a common carp.
I decided that the best thing to do was to keep it simple and it worked a treat. I can’t wait until the final; I am really looking forward to it. I won’t be able to practise much as Hayfield is a long way from Somerset, but I think I may be the underdog for the final so you just never know.”
It wasn’t an easy ride through for Steve who had tough competition from Starlets match man Adam Rooney on the peg next door. Adam who made the long trip from Daventry claimed a very respectable 182lbs 2ozs, fishing pellet and waggler.
In third place was Andy May, who caught a final weight of 165lbs 8ozs also fishing pellet and waggler from peg 17.
In fourth place was local White Acres angler Adam Wakelin, who got off to a great start catching 9 fish in the first 20 minutes of action. Adam was again fishing on Pollawyn and weighed in 108lbs 10ozs, not quite challenging for the top placings as the fish eventually moved on.
Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com
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28.04.07 - Together we can – The message for angling
The 2nd AGM and Conference of the NFA has been held at Holme Pierrepont last weekend where 75 delegates from clubs around the country attended to see the progress the organisation has made in the last year.
The conference focused on the key message of ‘together we can’ which has meaning not only for NFA members but also the sport as a whole. In order for the sport to develop successfully it is paramount that partners and organisations work with members and member clubs to provide a sustainable future for the sport. The National Federation of Anglers, The Salmon & Trout Association, National Federation of Sea Anglers in partnership with Sport England and the Environment Agency have started the ball rolling by forming the Angling Development Board (ADB).
The ADB is tasked with the development of angling across all disciplines through coaching, education and club development. The ADB will work closely with all the Governing Bodies and with the advent of the NFA’s OCN qualification in angling, clubs can now work together with schools and coaches to bring new faces into the sport. With over 70 schools and organisations which work with young people expressing an interest in running the course in September, angling is set to go from strength to strength.
The day included workshops for angling clubs to learn about the benefits of their membership including free fishery and legal advice as well as presentations by Get Hooked on Fishing CEO, Anne Moyle. Anne spoke about how angling clubs can establish a programme within its local community and open up angling to a wider audience. Alistair Maltby from the Association of Rivers Trusts outlined the benefits of forming a trust for lowland coarse clubs and Keith Hendry from APEM advised delegates on how to improve their fishery.
Paul Baggaley, CEO of the NFA stated on the success of the conference,
“I am pleased on how the day has gone, however this is only the beginning and the next year will be crucial for both the NFA and angling as a whole. We must all support and participate in the development of the sport through education, coaching and club development if angling is to grow."
Source: www.nfadirect.com
Contact: tom.goldspink@nfadirect.com
26.01.07 - Restaurant owner fined for polluting river
The owner of a Wiltshire restaurant was recently ordered to pay £34,881 in fines and costs after sewage effluent above its consent level polluted the River Avon. The case was brought by the Environment Agency.
 David Roberts, of the Cross Guns Free House Restaurant, Avoncliffe, appeared before North West Wiltshire magistrates in Chippenham today and admitted five pollution offences under the Water Resources Act 1991.
The Cross Guns pub and restaurant at Avoncliffe, near Bradford on Avon, has a sewage treatment plant installed to treat effluent from the premises. This is set in an elevated position in the pub’s riverside gardens and it discharges directly into a water course leading to the River Avon.
The Environment Agency has issued a consent for this discharge which requires a certain quality of effluent, but there have been long term problems with keeping within the guidelines.
The prosecution related to samples taken on 9th January and 6th July 2006 when on each occasion it was found that the discharge significantly exceeded the consent limits.
‘This stretch of the river has a high amenity value because it is used by many people. To protect the environment, it is important that those responsible for sewage treatment plants such as that at the Cross Guns Restaurant accept their responsibilities to ensure the consent standards are maintained,’ said Laurence Mathew for the Environment Agency.
‘On both of these occasions a very polluting effluent was allowed to discharge into the river for several weeks. All this could have been avoided had Mr Roberts managed and maintained the plant properly.’
David Roberts was fined £34,000 and ordered to pay £881 costs after pleading guilty to five offences under Section 85 (6) of the Water Resources Act 1991 including breaching the consent to discharge limit.
Source: The Environment Agency - January 2007.
Contact: paul.gainey@environment-agency.gov.uk
29.12.06 -
West Somerset rivers and streams – your views!
The Environment Agency is asking the people of West Somerset to comment on the future management of local rivers and streams.
They have until January 19, 2007 to respond to the West Somerset Streams Catchment Abstraction Management Strategy (CAMS), the latest in a series of CAMS consultation documents for North Wessex that aim to balance the demands of water users with the ecological needs of the aquatic environment.
The West Somerset Streams CAMS has been developed by the Agency in partnership with Wessex Water, Somerset Wildlife Trust, The Consumer Council for Water and local interest groups. Rivers covered by the document include the Kilve Stream, Doniford Stream, Washford River, Pill River, River Avill, Horner Water and the Hawkcombe Stream.
The CAMS process makes more information on water resources and the Environment Agency’s licensing policy available to the public. It also allows local people to put their views on how water resources in West Somerset should be managed.
‘For this to be a truly shared strategy, we need the views and input of local people to help shape the future management of this important catchment,’ said Andy Gardiner for the Environment Agency.
‘Rivers are a vital lifeline at the heart of our environment. They contribute to our water supply, provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife and are places of recreation and amenity. This CAMS consultation document sets out the choices that need to be made to balance these differing interests,’ said Councillor Anne Fraser, of the local CAMS Stakeholder Group.
Source: The Environment Agency - December 2006.
Contact: mike.dunning@environment-agency.gov.uk
19.12.06 -
Licence checks that protect internationally important wildlife sites during the past five years – 250,000.
Endangered freshwater pearl mussels successfully hatched in captivity – 70,000.
Hectares of new wildlife habitat created in England and Wales – 1,200.
Value of maintaining biological diversity – Priceless.
A new Environment Agency report detailing ‘How our work helps biodiversity’
reveals the conservation and ecology outcomes for England and Wales since the turn of the century.
We have contributed to a number of projects based along the River Avon for example, we have been leading a partnership project with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Rural Development Service and local landowner to restore the floodplain habitats along the Bow Brook, a tributary of the River Avon. Our work within nine and half hectares of floodplain has created a mosaic of wetland habitats, including scrapes, reedbeds and ditch pools. Water levels in ditches have been raised to create wet grassland, and we have carried out works to the brook, including creating backwaters providing a refuge for fish and plentiful feeding opportunity for kingfishers and otters.
At Abbots Salford we have created approximately one-hectare of reedbed next to a lake in the floodplain of the River Avon. The work will add to the existing value of the site, which is managed for wetland animals, particularly birds. Previous overgrazing by cattle meant there was virtually no vegetation around the lake. We have also fenced off the lake and provided cattle drink areas so that vegetation can grow on the lakeside. As a result, the reedbed should extend further out into the lake. This habitat creation will attract a greater diversity of breeding wetland birds to the area, as well as providing an enhanced environment for dragonflies, otters and other wildlife.
The Severn and Avon Vales Wetland Partnership (a 10 year collaborative project between the Environment Agency, local Wildlife Trusts, Natural England, Local Authorities and others), has been instrumental in the restoration of over 700 hectares of arable farmland to wet grassland in the floodplain and over 1900 hectares of farmland into conservation management.
"Over the past five years the Environment Agency has helped to create 1,200 hectares of new habitat in England and Wales – the equivalent of ten Hyde Parks," said the Environment Agency’s Head of Conservation and Ecology, Paul Raven.
"We’ve worked on almost 2,000 wildlife projects helping to save 39 threatened species – including successfully hatching 70,000 endangered pearl mussels and attracting otters back to every major city in England."
But equally important is the Environment Agency’s day to day regulatory work, which goes largely unseen by the public but is vital to wildlife conservation.
"Enforcing hundreds of thousands of environmental licences and permits, has ensured that the £20 million we’ve put directly into conservation work, has delivered truly positive outcomes, particularly for water and wetland habitats," Dr Raven said.
"For example, the strict pollution controls imposed in the last 30 years and regulated by the Environment Agency over the past 10 years have produced the cleanest waterways since before the Industrial Revolution, and wildlife is now really beginning to benefit."
A major review of the past five years, ‘How our work helps biodiversity’shows how the Environment Agency’s efforts to reduce pollution, manage water resources and minimise the risk of flooding has helped to protect special wildlife sites and restore habitats.
"Governments across Europe, have agreed to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010," Paul Raven said, "and the improving state of Britain’s wildlife provides a good indication of how the Environment Agency’s role as a regulator of industry, is protecting and improving the environment.’’With a proven link between environmental quality and human health and well-being –several of the wildlife habitat creation projects that the Environment Agency has been involved with have focused on urban regeneration. By giving river corridors a new lease of life in towns and cities, local people can enjoy improved protection against flooding with the benefits of more wildlife and access to a better environment."We know that otters are now found in every major city in the country, which underlines the benefits of measures to improve water quality and wildlife habitats overall."
‘’But we can’t be complacent. There are major challenges ahead for our wildlife in the face of climate change and the increasing impact of non-native invasive species’’, Dr Raven said.
04.12.06 -
The Facilities & Lakes
This year, a lot of anglers have commented on the immaculate conditions the Lakes and grounds were in during 2006. Thanks to our Grounds Man Phil, all the Gorse was removed from the Islands and lake side Banks.
We are still improving the facilities and Phil is busy making small changes to Wanda’s Lake, JR’s Lake and the new wild life area behind Clawford Lake. I will give you some more news about the improvements to the lakes in the next news letter.
An additional tackle lock up has been built to the rear of the two bedroom self catering units.
I am not saying it is large but it could make a good tackle shop!
The B&B facilities have been classified as 4 star by the Automobile Association. Highly Commended. The AA inspector commented ‘The cleanliness of the whole facility is second to none’. So Wanda and her team are still doing a fantastic job.
Autumn 2006 Fishing:
During October and November, we have had (as I know of) 6 Carp on the bank weighing in at over 30 lbs. and 15 Carp of over 20 lbs.
Considering the very few anglers fishing the lakes during this period, it is a remarkable result.
Xmas and New Year:
As you are probably aware from our web site, the B&B, Bar and Restaurant will close on December 24th, at 13.00 hours (Xmas Eve) and re open on Friday 29th. December 2006 at 18.30 hours.
If you crave absolute peace and quiet, get away from the energy sapping parties over the Christmas & New year period, we still have some Self Catering Units available.
Having said that, the Bar and Restaurant will open at 19.00 hours on New Years Eve for ‘The Words most boring New Years Eve Party’ for a total chill out. (The wood burning stoves will be going full blast so it won’t be that cold).
Here is the deal
At a cost of £15 per head, food will be provided by Wanda and the girls, (all you can eat). Plus:-
The bar will be self service and you can drink as much as you want from the pumps, optics and bottled beers.
Xmas crackers and farther Christmas hats will be provided.
Auld Lang Sign on the dance floor at 23.55 to 00.05 hours.
Then a glass of Champers in the bar following all that physical excursion, with your feet up in front of the blazing log fire.
Please, if you can manage it, fancy dress.
New Years day
2006 winner Neil Reuter from ST. ALBANS.
As always, a fine bottle of whisky will be awarded to the first angler to catch a 20 lb. Carp, from any lake. (2006 we had 7 20’s landed). You must provide a sharp, photograph (preferably digital) of your 20lb carp and must be wearing your Farther Xmas hat and have it confirmed as a 20 from another independent angler.
Details of Short Self catering breaks can be found on the Clawford website on Short Breaks.
Any angler who has been at Clawford during 2006 for 7 days or more will be entitled to a further 10% discount.
23.10.06 -
West Country Rivers Trust work wins Best Fisheries Project Award
 Dr. Dylan Bright, Director of the West Country Rivers Trust was honoured by the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA), when it presented him with its £4,000 Annual Award for Best Fisheries Project with Environmental Benefits, in recognition of the outstanding work achieved during the Cornwall Rivers Project.
S&TA Chairman, James Carr made the presentation at the Awards Dinner during the 15th International Salmonid Conference in Newcastle on Tuesday, October 17th. The Conference, co-sponsored by S&TA and organised by the Association of Rivers Trusts (ART), brought together a distinguished panel of speakers from several Northern hemisphere countries with an interest in salmon, sea trout, trout and charr.
The Cornwall Rivers Project, spanning ten river catchments, has encouraged land managers to accept that their rivers, including small headwater streams, are an asset and that their habitats can be improved by a range of relatively simple and cost effective means within an overall Catchment Sensitive Farming programme.
Improvements to water quality and river habitat achieved through the project have brought nearly 40 new fisheries into existence, providing more game angling opportunities in Cornwall and knock-on benefits to farmers and local communities from increased angler spend in their areas.
This supports S&TA’s policy that the economic benefits derived from increased angler visits are a major payback for investment in river rehabilitation schemes.
Comments S&TA Director Paul Knight;
“the presentation of this award, and co-sponsorship of the Conference, marks a continuing close working relationship between S&TA and ART. The excellent work undertaken by the burgeoning number of rivers trusts throughout the UK and Ireland is proving just what can be achieved by dedicated management and conservation initiatives backed up by sound fisheries and water-based science. The resulting enhancement of river habitats is already showing a marked angling improvement in many areas, providing welcome income for farmers and rural communities. This is a win-win situation that shows what can be achieved through partnerships and the S&TA is delighted to be involved with, and supporting such direct action initiatives."
Source: www.salmon-trout.org
Contact: carmel@salmon-trout.org
18.09.06 - CHALLENGING DISADVANTAGE
Challenging disadvantage by changing young lives for the better, offering friendship, experience, diversion, caring and mentoring...
At 121 Youth Befriending we recruit and train volunteers from the local community to provide the necessary skills and support to young people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
There is an increasing call on the services of 121 as young people are finding it more and more difficult to cope with the complex business of growing up and coping with the pressures of our modern society.
As a successful local charity, we are receiving an increased number of referrals for young people who need that all-important ‘role model’ in their lives. Over the last few weeks I have visited several young lads all of whom have expressed a desire to ‘go fishing’.
Most of these lads live in single parent families with only a Mum. They do not have a dad or uncle or older brother to take them fishing.
- Could you give a couple of hours a week to a youngster who wants to participate in this activity?
- Could you provide a listening ear?
- Could you help them to regain their self-esteem and motivation enjoying a hobby with you?
- Could you be that positive role model they need?
If you could help a local youngster who just needs someone to give them space and time, to help them grow up and make a positive contribution to society please call:
ROSE at 121 Youth Befriending on 01892 616551 or 0774 3803044
or through our website www.youthbefriending.co.uk
12.09.06 - NEWBARN FARM CATCH REPORT
Newbarn Farm Angling Centre offers coarse fishing on six ponds and lakes set in a beautiful sheltered valley close to Paignton, Torquay, Totnes & the South Hams area of South Devon. looks like the fishing has been pretty good there lately !!
 28th August 2006:
- Peter Burder form Fareham Hants caught 6 common carp to 13lb 8oz whilst on holiday at Newbarn Farm, using floating dog biscuit.
- Johnny Davies form Paignton caught a mirror carp fishing swim 6 on Mirror Pool.
- James Oakleigh from Essex caught 3 carp (common and mirror) to 12lb
4th September 2006:
- Andy Floyd from Bristol caught 2 mirror carp and 2 common carp fishing swim 6 on Mirror Pool
8th September 2006:
- Verity Soley from Paignton caught her first ever carp weighing in at approx. 1lb 8oz ..... and she's only 3 years old ... bless !! Nice name too !!
11th September 2006:
- Tom Bastow from Paignton caught 2 mirror carp from swim 7 on mirror pool
- Joseph Bastow from Paignton caught a mirror carp from swim 7 on mirror pool
- Richard Parks from Paignton caught 2 mirror carp from swim 5 on mirror pool
Congratulations to all those featured - sounds like good fun was had by all.
for more information on Newbarn farm, check out their fishery details HERE
Source: Newbarn Farm - Sept. 2006. Contact: info@newbarnfarm.com
04.09.06 - NATIONAL FISHING WEEK LURES 30% MORE ANGLERS
Over 10,000 budding anglers cast a line for the first time during National Fishing Week (August 19-28), an increase of around 30% on previous years.
"We know from our research that demand at the entry level of angling is huge and these numbers provide the proof that angling is experiencing a surge in popularity," said Environment Agency Angling Development Manager Richard Wightman.
"We had over 10,000 people attending events this year and given extra resources we could have catered for many more. This success has shown that if you can address the barriers that prevent people from entering the sport, they are likely to give it a try and hopefully stick with it.
"Fishing has been proven to provide an outlet for excluded and disadvantaged young people, helping to cut truancy and antisocial behaviour. Our research indicates angling is among the best outdoor activities for lifting people’s self-esteem. It’s amazing the satisfaction that can be gained from the simple task of catching a fish.
"National Fishing Week has given many people a chance to learn how to fish for free and at the same time meet people who will encourage them to continue with the sport. We had children as young as four or five years old learning from some of the nation’s top angling coaches, as well as many older people trying their hand at angling for the first time."
Over 400 events across England and Wales were fully booked and people were even reluctantly turned away from some locations. In Newcastle, angling featured in the local multicultural Mela Festival for the first time and, in Wales, extra events needed to be hastily arranged at Wilderness Pond after all available places were booked over a week in advance.
Midlands angling coach Derek North said even though 400 people delved into angling for the first time at last week’s Wychavon Festival in Worcestershire, double that number had shown interest.
"We always use properly qualified and insured coaches so we can ensure that everyone attending National Fishing Week events is safe, but we just can’t train them quickly enough to meet demand," Mr North said.
National Fishing Week event organiser Neil Sellers said:
"We went for quality this year at our events rather than quantity, but due to the hard work and effort of the coaches, it seems that we have managed to both increase the number of events by 20% and participation levels by 30%.National Fishing Week has benefited tremendously over the past three years through the financial assistance of the Environment Agency and Royal Bank of Scotland - each year results have got better."
Mr Wightman said the next task was ensuring the follow up experience of these budding anglers was as equally fulfilling.
Source: The Environment Agency.
Contact: shelley.frosdick@environment-agency.gov.uk
17.07.06 - YOUNG PEOPLE'S ANGLING PROJECT
The Young People’s Angling Project, hopes to introduce young people to the delights of fishing and along the way develop social skills and environmental awareness. Saturday 22 July sees the start of this innovative project to help youngsters gain confidence and self-esteem with the aim of reducing the risk of them becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.
The Young People’s Angling Project is a partnership between the Gipping Valley Angling Club, the Youth Inclusion Support Panel, the Environment Agency, Eastern Angling, Anglia Care Trust and the Children’s Fund.
Ten youngsters between the ages of eight and 14 will be given the opportunity to learn from qualified fishing coaches how to bait a hook, cast a line and land their fish. It will also give them the skills and confidence to enable them to establish and sustain their own club.
The Gipping Valley Angling Club obtained funding worth £7,000 from Suffolk ACRE through the Local Network Fund (Department of Education and Skills). Further grants of £500 each came from the Environment Agency and Suffolk County Council. This money will enable the club, together with the Youth Offending Service of Suffolk County Council, to provide the youngsters with 20 weeks of fishing coaching by local experts.
Ian Wood, Honorary President of the Gipping Valley Angling Club said: "We are pleased to support this project and would be keen to support similar schemes in the future".
Ian Bliss, Environment Agency funding officer, said: "We are really pleased to be involved in a project that helps young disadvantaged people learn about angling and at the same time increases their awareness of the wider environment. We hope that the project will be a huge success and that it can be replicated in other areas".
The money enables the club to pay for the qualified coaches, transport costs and all the equipment needed for fishing including rods, keep nets and bait. This pilot project will be based at the Gipping Valley Angling Club’s Barking Tye Lakes, where there is also a small classroom for workshops. Some of the money will go towards a generator to supply power and a PowerPoint projector and screen to be used there.
Source: The Environment Agency - July 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
13.07.06 - HOLIDAY FISHING AND FOREIGN DISEASES
Now that the summer holidays are upon us many anglers will be heading abroad on fishing expeditions. Whether it be to the Continent or to more exotic climes, some simple precautions need to be taken to ensure you do not bring back any alien fish diseases or parasites.
The reminder comes from Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans.
" One of the potentially most-devastating parasites is Gyrodactylus salaris that attacks Atlantic salmon causing severe tissue damage often resulting in death, and can devastate stocks," explained Dafydd. "The parasite is widespread in Norway, Sweden, Russia, Finland and Denmark, and reported in France, Germany, Spain and Portugal. In Norway populations of wild salmon collapsed in nearly 50 rivers as a result of the introduction of the microscopic parasite. The impact on angling and tourism has been considerable."
The G.salaris parasite is half a millimetre in size and virtually invisible to the naked eye. It attacks the skins and fins of juvenile salmon causing severe tissue damage often resulting in death. Although the parasite has not yet been found in British waters, tests have shown that our salmon would be killed by it. As the parasite has a direct life cycle and reproduces very rapidly, it is possible that even a single specimen imported by accident to a previously unaffected river would be capable of starting an epidemic in a very short time.
"Although the main threat is from imported diseased fish, and controls are in place to minimise this risk, the disease could be brought in by anglers and their equipment. The parasite is very hardy and can survive in wet or damp clothing and equipment for up to six days. If you are returning with clothing, boots, waders, bags, keep and landing nets, lines, reels, bait boats and other fishing tackle used on rivers abroad, as well as bait fish, you can help prevent the import of diseases and parasites in two simple ways. You can thoroughly dry all clothing and gear for at least 48 hours in sunlight and temperatures above 20°C, or disinfect by immersing in seawater or a salt solution (3% + sodium chloride concentration) for a minimum of 10 minutes. All gear should then be thoroughly rinsed in tap water."
If you took your own boat, dinghy or canoe abroad on the fishing expedition you are advised to clean, disinfect and dry the vessel before arrival back in the UK. Marine vessels returning from abroad do not pose a risk as the parasite cannot survive in seawater, but consideration should be given to tenders or other boating equipment used on rivers.
"Native parasites and disease causing agents are a natural part of fish ecology," added Dafydd. "They co-exist with fish populations in a balance between fish, the disease and the water environment. The highest risk of causing an outbreak is from the introduction of a new disease to our rivers and lakes."
The promotion of good practice in disease control is a significant component of the Environment Agency’s duty to maintain improve and develop fishing and fisheries. Many fisheries owners provide net dips containing iodophore washes for anglers to use when entering a site. Use them if you have recently returned from a foreign fishing trip.
Source: The Environment Agency - July 2006. Contact: shelley.frosdick@environment-agency.gov.uk
05.07.06 - ILLEGAL NETSMEN CAUGHT REDHANDED ON RIVER PIDDLE
A police helicopter helped Environment Agency officers net three poachers on the River Piddle in Dorset yesterday. The trio were caught red-handed removing fish from an illegal net they had set at a point where the Piddle flows into Poole Harbour. The Piddle is an important spawning river for salmon and sea trout. The use of fixed nets is prohibited.
Agency fisheries officers were on routine patrol on Tuesday afternoon when they suddenly saw the netsmen removing approximately a dozen mullet and bass from a monofilament net that had been set across the river entrance. The men, in their 20’s and 30’s, were cautioned and the net and fish seized. A police helicopter was called to the scene to assist with the operation and hovered overhead while the suspects were questioned.
"Salmon and sea trout are moving upstream to their spawning grounds at this time of the year and are very vulnerable. This net was fixed across the river channel for a distance of some 40 metres and posed a very real risk to migrating fish. Had it remained in place, it would almost certainly have caught migrating salmon and sea trout" said Stuart Kingston-Turner for the Environment Agency.
The fishing rights on the Piddle are owned by the Environment Agency. This means that in addition offences under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, the men could also face charges under the Theft Act for the illegal removal of fish. The Environment Agency’s fishery is clearly marked by two white posts at the entrances to the rivers Piddle and Frome as they enter Poole Harbour.
Anyone witnessing illegal fishing should call the Environment Agency’s free 24 hour hotline 0800 80 70 60
Source: The Environment Agency - July 2006. Contact: mike.dunning@environment-agency.gov.uk
27.06.06 - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PREPARES FOR SHOWDOWN WITH TOP MOUTH GUDGEON
A fast-breeding alien fish that has colonised two East Devon lakes and is threatening to wipe out the local fish population could soon be facing extinction itself. This week the Environment Agency is taking the first steps to eradicate the Top Mouth Gudgeon from lakes at Bicton College and Bicton Park Botanical Gardens near East Budleigh. By acting now, the Agency aims to prevent any further spread of the species to surrounding lakes and rivers.
 Measuring only 3 - 4 cms in length, the Top Mouth Gudgeon can out-compete native species and may carry a damaging parasite, both of which could threaten fish diversity in the area if measures are not taken. Topmouth gudgeon, a small Asiatic member of the carp family, appeared in mainland Europe in the 1960’s. It has been introduced accidentally into a number of British lakes. This small fish is around the same size as the UK native gudgeon which it resembles.
It can out-compete native species such as roach and rudd because it matures at one year old, whereas a rudd does not mature sexually until two or three. It can also breed up to four times a year.
The Agency recently installed a gravel filter on behalf of Bicton College to prevent the spread of the invasive fish. There was a slight setback after the ornamental lake overflowed following a thunderstorm and a number of Top Mouth Gudgeon were washed past the filter and carried down the Bicton Stream. Agency fisheries officers later collected around 6,000 of the fish from the stream following the thunderstorm ‘break-out’. It is estimated that there could be up to 100,000 of the tiny invaders in the smaller lake alone.
On Thursday [June 29] the Agency will electro-fish approximately 400 – 500 metres of the Bicton Stream and remove any Top Mouth Gudgeon it finds. The fish will be sent to the Agency’s national fisheries experts for analysis.
"At the moment Bicton is thought to be the only site in Devon with a population of Top Mouth Gudgeon. We are keen to take action to eradicate them. They pose a very real risk to our native fish. It is important we act now"said Dave Brogden for the Environment Agency.
The Agency has successfully removed the species from two sites in the North of England and one in the Midlands. Ultimately, the removal of Top Mouth Gudgeon from Bicton will probably involve the rescue of native fish from the lakes prior to final eradication of the alien species.
Last month special measures were introduced at Bicton during a BBC Springwatch event to ensure anyone using the main lake didn’t accidentally transport Top Mouth Gudgeon fish or their eggs off the site. These included using disinfectant to wash down boats using the lake, cleaning people’s shoes and boots and cleaning/disinfecting fishing equipment.
For further information about the electro-fishing including times, directions and access arrangements for the site call the Press Office on 01392 442008.
Source: The Environment Agency - June 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
15.06.06 - ANGLERS URGED TO REPORT FISH DEATHS AS SUMMER HEATS UP
Thousands of fish have died in waterways across England over past few days in the lead up to tomorrow’s opening day of the coarse fishing season, with freshwater species failing to cope with plunging oxygen levels in the hot weather.
The Environment Agency deployed aerating machines on four separate watercourses in the North-west, Anglia and the Midlands in a bid to reduce fish fatalities, and is calling on England and Wales 1.25 million licensed anglers to alert the Agency if they see fish in distress this summer.
More than 5,000 dead fish have surfaced so far in Cuckoo’s Hollow, a lake near Peterborough; 3,000 were killed on a commercial coarse fishery in Worcester; Captains Pit in Wirral experienced over 1,500 fatalities; and Old Bedford counter drain in Cambridgeshire had over 1,000 fish.
"In hot weather, fast growing freshwater algae increases its activity which can exhaust much of the dissolved oxygen in streams, ponds and lakes, depriving fish species of the oxygen they need to survive," said Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, Dafydd Evans.
"During daylight hours when photosynthesis proceeds rapidly, plants and algae release surplus oxygen and dissolved oxygen concentration in the water may be around 100 percent. However, at night photosynthesis reverses and algae become a net consumer of oxygen leading to severe depletion of dissolved oxygen concentration."
Most fish kills occur during the early morning hours when dissolved oxygen is at its lowest. With Cuckoo’s Hollow in East Anglia dropping to just five percent oxygen concentration, where normally it resides between 80 and 100 percent. In addition, rapid changes in weather conditions from hot days to rain storms can also cause fish kills. Pollutants and run-off result in poor water quality, while cloudy, cooler weather can cause algal blooms to die, with the composing plant-life releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the water.
Mr Evans said drought conditions in the South-east may also make waterways in that region more susceptible to fish kills this summer. "The combination of hot weather and low water levels can make fish distressed and lead to death. It’s usually ok to fish during a drought, but anglers should pay careful attention to how the fish are behaving. This might mean fish staying in one place near the surface of the water, gasping for air; swimming very slowly in large groups, and obvious over-crowding. Dead fish are easy to spot, as they float on the surface of the water."
"Fish are a vital part of the ecology of our rivers, streams, lakes and ponds, and their health affects other wildlife. Dead or dying fish can pollute water and the fish themselves experience distress."
Mr Evans also urged managers of commercial fisheries to be proactive by planning for hot weather during summer.
"When fish become distressed during hot periods, Environment Agency resources can often be stretched between a number of waterways."
Cuckoo’s Hollow in Werrington, Peterborough, saw dissolved oxygen levels drop to five percent, resulting in over 5,000 fish mortalities - including roach, pike eels and other coarse species.
Old Bedford near Welney in Cambridgeshire saw over 1,000 fish mortalities - including roach, perch, and tench. Aeration work by Environment Agency raised the dissolved oxygen levels to between 50-70%.
Captains Pit at Wallasey near Wirral, saw dissolved oxygen levels drop to between 11-18% as the water temperature reached twenty-seven degrees, resulting in over 1,600 fish mortalities. - including roach, perch, and tench.
The Coarse fishing closed season runs from March 15 - June 15 during fish spawning times and applies to all rivers, streams and drains in England & Wales, but does not apply to most still waters.
If you see dead, dying or distressed fish, call 0800 80 70 60
Source: The Environment Agency - June 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
09.06.06 - GET A LICENCE OR GET HOOKED !!
Although most of the country will be probably be in the grip of World Cup fever during June and stuck in front of the television, some people will still be out fishing illegally. However, they face a possible fine of £2,500 and a ban as the Environment Agency prepares to crack down on people fishing without a valid rod licence across England and Wales from June 16 to 25.
Dafydd Evans, Environment Agency Head of Fisheries explained: "anglers must ensure they have a valid licence before they start fishing, or face the prospect of prosecution. Our fisheries officers have access to databases at the touch of a mobile phone button and can verify address and licence details on the riverbank. Anglers who evade the licence fee are not only breaking the law but also cheating their fellow anglers and we will leave no stone unturned in tracking them down."
"Most anglers understand that rod licence fees are necessary and know the revenue goes towards maintaining and enhancing fisheries and fish stocks. The work includes disease detection, fish rescues, monitoring fish stocks and developing angling opportunities. Nearly 700 people were caught fishing without a rod licence over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend. Some anglers believe a licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. This is not the case. All rod licences expire on March 31."
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier - there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone [0870 1662662] or from the Environment Agency web site - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence any time, day or night. More than 100,000 anglers now net their rod licence on line.
Source: The Environment Agency - June 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
07.06.06 - NEWBARN FARM ANGLING CENTRE AND 10K TAGS
 Loads of Prizes Being Won at Local Fishery in the UKs biggest fishing competition - 10k Tags
The first full month of the UK's biggest angling competition, 10k Tags, has seen 228 prizes claimed already. That's an average of 7.6 prizes every day! And many of them are being scooped up at our very own local fishery - Newbarn Farm Angling Centre
Some of the prizes won include day tickets, spools of high quality Topline line, Pantera keep-net bags, boilie needle sets, polarised sun-glasses, Avanti Pro float sets, Tacklemania Tour season tickets, multi-waiters and landing nets. Some of the bigger prizes have also been claimed including a Wychwood "Rogue" Reel worth £30, an Avanti Argenta 10' Multi-tip Match Rod worth £40 a Diawa M-Cast reel and a Kevin Nash rod, both worth £90.
 With five more months to go there are still thousands of prizes waiting to be snapped up. So, if you want to join in, just head down to Newbarn Farm Angling Centre one of the nearly 100 competition fisheries spread across England and Wales. Registration is only £10 and you can get your registration forms from the fishery or visit www.10ktags.co.uk and register on line.
And, remember, every tagged fish you catch guarantees a prize worth anything from £5 to £500. And, even better than that, every tagged fish you catch gives you a chance to win the amazing top prize of a brand new Landrover Freelander 4x4!
For more information on Newbarn Farm Angling Centre CLICK HERE
05.06.06 - NATIONAL FISHING WEEK 2006
 National Fishing Week is an annual celebration of one of the country’s favorite pastimes. Every year, millions regularly fish the nation’s sea, shores, rivers, lakes and canals. National Fishing Week is your opportunity to join in! Planned events take place between 19th and 28th August. Over the coming months organisers of fishing events around the country will enter events on the FISH4U events finder. By the summer you will be able to find a comprehensive list of National Fishing Week events.
Do You want to organise an event during National Fishing week?If you want to organise an event for National Fishing Week or want more details of events already planned, visit this page. Here you can sign up as an organiser, download an organisers pack with all the information you will need to organise an event or register an event. Many of the events will provide expert tuition from the country’s leading licensed coaches. The majority of events will offer easy access from road and public transport and many cater for people with disabilities.
01.06.06 - WELCOME BOOST TO SALMON STOCKS ON THE RIVER FOWEY
Anglers have helped by returning more of the salmon they catch. This, in turn, has boosted the number of breeding fish. In 1994 only 16% of salmon were returned unharmed to the river. In 2005 the figure was 64%.
Improvements to gravel beds on two Fowey tributaries - the St Neot and Cardinham – have helped spawning salmon and increased the number of young fish. Much of this work was carried out by the Environment Agency. Local anglers have also contributed by carrying out gravel cleaning in the Draynes Valley and a local hatchery has provided young fish for re-stocking.
The Fowey is one of only two Cornwall rivers to meet their conservation target – the other being the Camel. This target is a measure of the breeding success of salmon and is set at a level to ensure a river maintains a sustainable fish population.
In 2005 the Camel and the Fowey had the highest salmon returns in the region with rod anglers catching 334 and 242 fish respectively on the two rivers.
"This really is encouraging news and demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved through the combined efforts of anglers and Agency officers. The benefits aren’t immediately apparent because of the lifecycle of the salmon. The fish spend three years in the river before heading off to sea and don’t normally return to spawn for a couple of years so there’s usually a five year time-lag before you see the rewards for your efforts,"said Simon Toms for the Environment Agency.
Source: The Environment Agency - june 2006. Contact: mike.dunning@environment-agency.gov.uk
25.05.06 - FILHAM SET FOR NEW FISHING LAKE
A new £70,000 coarse fishing lake with special facilities for young and disabled anglers opens at Filham Park, Ivybridge on Sunday 4 June.
The completion of the Filham Lake is the result of a successful partnership between the Environment Agency, Ivybridge Town Council, and local anglers from the Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club. Now, after months of planning and construction the purpose-built lake is ready to use and will be officially opened on Sunday 4 June 2006 at 10.30am by Mike Millman, the fishing journalist.
The lake has full disabled access, car parking, paths, fishing platforms and toilets. It has been stocked by Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club with carp, roach, crucian carp, bream and green tench.
On the opening day there will be an opportunity to try coarse fishing with trained angling coaches. Places for this are limited so please phone to book your place as these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. To book an angling taster session please contact Diane Holland on 01392 316032.
The Environment Agency has a remit to promote angling and therefore to help provide opportunities for people of all abilities to fish.
"Everyone involved with the project are extremely pleased to have created such an attractive feature within the park, which is capable of providing high class coarse angling as well as being of significant benefit to wildlife," said Lesley Newport, for the Environment Agency.
"We are very pleased to have helped create this new lake that is also a wildlife haven. It is a first class site I think people will agree it has been a really worthwhile project."
The funding for the lake construction was made possible through the Environment Agency’s National Fisheries Fund, Living Spaces, Awards for All and People’s Places. The lake had filled by September 2004, to the delight of the project team. Work then continued on tree planting, fishing peg construction, water plant establishment, fish refuges and footbridge construction.
The first fish stocking took place in December 2005 with bream, mirror carp, common carp and roach. Since then crucian carp along with larger bream, common carp, mirror carp and roach have been stocked. Additional benefits include the setting up of a new tackle shop business in Ivybridge and use of the lake by a number of water bird species including goldeneye, little grebe, tufted duck, greylag geese and mute swans.
Source: The Environment Agency - May 2006. Contact: paul.gainey@environment-agency.gov.uk
02.05.06 - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ATTEMPTS TO HOOK WOMEN ANGLERS
You have heard plenty about it … but the push to get more women into angling has begun! The number of females going fishing is a pitiful five per cent of the UK angling population. That figure led to the Environment Agency including women of all ages in the latest recruitment drive.
Part of a new wave of projects has seen the Environment Agency in Devon teaming up with South West Lakes Trust to offer free fly fishing coaching sessions for women at Kennick Reservoir, near Christow. The women-only open day on Saturday May 6th, is part of the ongoing Angling Participation Project, which has already introduced many newcomers to the sport.
A similar event last year attracted around 40 women aspiring anglers and resulted in a permanent womens group being set which meets monthly for fishing and fly tying sessions. Other events held last year at Kennick reservoir in the picturesque Teign Valley, were also very popular with many of those attending taking up fishing as a result.
Diane Holland, from the Environment Agency said: "Women anglers can sometimes feel intimidated by the jargon used and technical nature of casting but this is designed to show that they are just as capable as male anglers and that fishing is a relaxing, healthy pastime".
"Free expert tuition will be available from trained game angling coaches – both male and female. There will also be advice on how to set up fishing tackle, safety aspects and fly tying displays with the opportunity to have a go at catching a fish."
All equipment will be provided and there is no need for an Environment Agency Rod Licence as the event will be covered by a temporary licence. For those anglers with disabilities who may not be able to fish from the bank, South West Lakes Trust have a wheelyboat available. Anyone wishing to use this facility will be accompanied by a trained angling coach.
Although this event is primarily aimed at women anglers, further all inclusive events are taking place at Kennick throughout the summer:
Saturday 6 May Ladies Day 10.00am – 1.00pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Friday 9 June Back to fishing/Beginners 10.00am – 1.00pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Saturday 17 June Family/Beginners Day 10.00am – 1.00pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Friday 30 June Beginners Day 10.00am – 1.00pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Friday 21 July Second Bite!/Intermediate Day 10.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday 9 Sept Beginners Day 10.00am – 1.00pm or 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Booking is essential as places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Anyone wishing to book a session should contact Diane Holland on 01392 316032.
Source: The Environment Agency - May 2006. Contact: paul.gainey@environment-agency.gov.uk
25.04.06 - ANGLING FOR ALL
The Environment Agency today announced its plans to attract an extra 200,000 people to fishing in the next 10 years. Outlined in Angling in 2015, the Environment Agency sets out its plans for the sport and how it will work to increase the social and economic benefits angling provides over the next decade.
Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries for the Environment Agency said: "Over 4 million people go fishing in England and Wales already - this means another 4 million people interested in protecting our environment while at the same time making a significant economic and social contribution. Fishing has created 20,000 jobs and a total of up to 2.75 billion is spent on the sport every year. We want to encourage more people to enjoy water related recreation - fishing is a great way to do that."
"Fishing can also be a great way of tackling anti-social behaviour, educational under-achievement and youth crime. Through Angling in 2015 we aim to help more people from more backgrounds enjoy the simple pleasures of going fishing, and at the same time help them appreciate and protect their environment."
Research has shown women express high levels of interest in angling but only make up about 5% of people buying rod licences, compared to the USA where 26% of anglers are women. Research also shows that while one in five young people aged 12-16 have fished in the past two years, as many again would like to try the sport, and that it holds its overall attraction as a favoured sport among people with disabilities. Yet, while interest is there, few women or people from black and minority ethnic communities are taking up the sport. Angling in 2015 wants to turn this interest in angling into actual participation.
Key aims outlined in the document include: - More people from a wider range of backgrounds fishing - Improved information about angling, where to go and how to start - Better performing fisheries helping angling to carry on growing as a sport
"Fishing can take you to some of our most beautiful places and give you privileged close-ups of our rarest and most interesting wildlife. It’s also a great introduction to the environment and wildlife for inner city people," Dafydd Evans said.
Last year the Environment Agency invested £100,000 in angling participation projects, which included 600 taster sessions in partnership with other associations, such as Royal Bank of Scotland, Sportsmatch and the tackle trade.
"We aim to help raise awareness of angling as a mainstream and healthy outdoor pursuit and to help more people find out what it can do for them. Angling in 2015 will help those who have very limited access to angling to get out in their environment and have a got at fishing," Dafydd Evans said.
Angling in 2015 is available from the Environment Agency website; www.environment-agency.gov.uk and case studies are available from the press office.
Source: The Environment Agency - April 2006. Contact: shelley.frosdick@environment-agency.gov.uk
24.04.06 - GET A LICENCE
Illegal anglers will have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide over the May holiday weekend as the Environment Agency cracks down on people fishing without a valid rod licence.
Environment Agency Head of Fisheries Dafydd Evans said: "Anglers must ensure they have a valid licence before they start fishing or face the prospect of prosecution. Fishing without a licence is an offence and anyone caught fishing illegally can expect to face tough penalties, including a fine of up to £2,500 and a ban from fishing. Licence dodgers are also cheating fellow anglers and the future of angling, as money raised by rod licence sales goes straight back into fisheries."
"Last year, we invested £29 million on our fisheries, with £19 million of this coming from rod licence fees. Work including disease detection, enforcement of illegal fish movements, developing angling opportunities and facilities and audit of foreign species is all funded by rod licence revenue. Over 12,000 people were checked over the May Bank Holiday last year with almost 900 offences reported. We are anticipating that even more staff will be out checking licences this year" Dafydd Evans said.
Enforcement teams from the South West will be making regular checks on waters across the region between 29 April and 1 May 2006.
Buying a licence could not be easier – there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone [0870 1662662] or from the Environment Agency web site.
Source: The Environment Agency - April 2006. Contact: paul.gainey@environment-agency.gov.uk
24.04.06 - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY TRIES TO HOOK NEW ANGLERS
The Environment Agency in Somerset has teamed up with the Bridgwater Angling Association to offer free course fishing coaching sessions for any aspiring angler at the Dunwear Lakes, Bridgwater.
The free fishing day will be held on Sunday April 30 between 9am and 4.30pm, and is part of the ongoing Angling Participation Project, which has already introduced many newcomers to the sport. Last year around 120 anglers attended events at Kennick reservoir in the picturesque Teign Valley, many of these have taken up fishing as a result.
"We hope this free fishing day will show anyone who comes along that fishing is a relaxing, healthy pastime for all ages and abilities. All that is needed is a little encouragement and support," said Dave Lloyd, from the Environment Agency.
Free expert tuition will be available from trained angling coaches, and all the necessary equipment and tackle will be provided all completely free of charge. There will also be advice on how to set up fishing tackle, safety tips together with the opportunity to have a go at catching a fish. A marquee will be set-up in the car park near Plum Lane, where hot and cold refreshments will be available.
All equipment will be provided and there is no need for an Environment Agency Rod Licence as the event will be covered by a temporary licence.
Source: The Environment Agency - April 2006. Contact: paul.gainey@environment-agency.gov.uk
26.04.06 - NEWBARN FARM CATCH REPORTS
Newbarn Farm Angling Centre offers coarse fishing on six ponds and lakes set in a beautiful sheltered valley close to Paignton, Torquay, Totnes & the South Hams area of South Devon.
19 April 2006:- D. Thomas - Mirror lake - Common, 11lb, 11.4lb, 10lb - Choc. Boillies
- Jonny Davies - Willow Pool - Common, Mirror, Ghost to 6lb [NF]
- Luke Hartrey - Willow Pool - Common, Ghost and Mirror to 14.15lb [NF]
20 April 2006:- Bradley Hartrey - Swim 5 Mirror Lake - Queenie 22.40 Common 10.00 [NF]
- Daniel Effer - Mirror Swim 7 - Common 8.80 & 11, Mirror 12.40
26 April 2006:- Bob Cole - Willow Pool - common 7.00, ghost 14.80, mirror 5.80 - tutti frutti boilies
- Darren Stride - Mirror Lake - mirror carp 8.00 & 8.80
- Tony Eade - Mirro Lake swim 6 - mirror carp 17.00 & 15.00 - sweetcorn pellet
[NF] = Night Fishing
Source: Richard at Newbarn Farm -April 2006 Contact: info@newbarnfarm.com
01.04.06 - BUY YOUR 2006/07 ROD LICENCE ON LINE
2006/2007 online rod licences now available - see prices below.  Anyone over the age of 12 fishing in freshwaters in England or Wales must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence. Money from the sale of licences helps to fund the EA's work on managing fisheries. If you are caught fishing without one, you are cheating other anglers and could be fined up to £2,500.
To buy your Environment Agency rod licence on-line, visit their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk. The following licence categories can be purchased online:
full licences
junior licences [12 to 16 year olds]
8-day licences
1-day licences
concessionary licences for eligible disabled people
concessionary licences for people aged 65 or over
Welsh/English bilingual licences
New prices for 2006/07 online rod licences:
Non-Migratory Trout and Coarse
Full Season - £24.00
Junior - £5.00
8 Day - £8.50
1 Day - £3.25
Salmon and Sea Trout
Full Season - £65.00
Junior - £32.50
8 Day - £20.50
1 Day - £6.75
2006/07 online rod licences are valid from 01 April 2006 to 31 March 2007
Post Offices sell all types of rod licence and those in Wales issue bilingual licences.
Children under 12 years of age do not require a rod fishing licence.
Source: The Environment Agency - 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
23.03.06 - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ANGLING SURVEY
Anglers are being asked to help in a survey about patterns of angling activity and spending across England and Wales in 2005.
The research team is asking everyone who went freshwater fishing last year to complete a questionnaire on-line at: www.gcal.ac.uk/econsurv/anglersurvey.htm
The project, which has been commissioned by the Environment Agency and Defra, will help to understand how important freshwater fishing can be for jobs and incomes in different regions of England and Wales. The results are expected to influence the future development of fisheries.
Dr Guy Mawle, Fisheries Policy Officer for the Environment Agency, said:
"This study will show us and government how important freshwater angling can be for jobs and incomes across England and Wales. But we need anglers to provide the basic information. We'd like everyone who went freshwater fishing in England or Wales during 2005 to take part. It doesn't matter where you come from or how keen you are. The questionnaire only takes about 10 minutes to complete so it won’t take up much of your time."
Source: The Environment Agency - March 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
02.03.06 - HEALTHIER FISHERIES MEANS HEALTHIER LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND BANK BALANCES.
Healthier fisheries means healthier local communities and economies was the message from the Environment Agency at the launch of 'A better environment, healthier fisheries: better fisheries for our nations' today.
Dafydd Evans, Head of Fisheries said "Fisheries is about more than just fishing and our work is a key influence on local economies throughout England and Wales. Angling creates jobs and prosperity, extends visitor seasons and creates more business for restaurants, pubs, shops and hotels. Our figures show that nearly four million people went angling last year leading to 20,000 jobs and total spending of a huge £3 billion annually on the sport - one project alone in Wales generated almost £30 million through angling tourism"
The Environment Agency’s Fishing in Wales Project resulted in:
* Over 400km of improved rivers as a result of river habitat improvements and building fish passes.
* £2 million investment creating 1000 jobs in angling clubs, tackle shops, hotels and restaurants.
* £27million generated in one year by angling tourists and their families.
* Over 450 people attending sustainable fishery management training courses, helping to deliver 86 partnership projects with angling clubs and fishery owners, improving fishing facilities for all.
Releasing the strategy today the Environment Agency, which is responsible for fisheries in England and Wales, revealed how it will adapt to ensure the survival of our fragile natural fisheries environment. It is success like that shown by the Fishing in Wales project which the Environment Agency hopes to repeat.
Key steps to create a better fisheries environment by 2011 include:
* Increasing the number of fish in our rivers – only 21 rivers met salmon conservation targets in 1999.
* Providing more chances for more people to fish with double the amount of active anglers from black, minority and ethnic backgrounds.
* Sustainable fisheries boosting the local economy, with greater investment in fisheries.
Dafydd Evans added: The presence of fish and angling demonstrates a healthy environment - our strategy outlines how we will meet new challenges such as climate change and invasive species while increasing tourism, encouraging greater participation in fishing and continuing to create a better quality of life for local communities.
Our work to bring fishing to people through angling participation projects have paid off for local communities. One such scheme in Rowheath Park, Birmingham was the award winning Get Hooked on Fishing project. Working together with the Bournville Village Trust this innovative and unique programme proved successful in tackling youth crime, antisocial behaviour, school truancy and educational underachievement - 98% of participants did not re-offend. Over 250 children took part in 2005 and the three-year-old scheme won the Big Lottery People’s Choice Award.
Better environment, healthier fisheries outlines how we will take our work further. We are determined to create a better, healthier environment for fisheries and for people".
Source: The Environment Agency - March 2006. Contact: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
20.02.06 - NEW FOR THIS SEASON AT LAC DU PELERIN, FRANCE.
 Lac Du Pelerin is a stunning carp fishing venue nestling amongst 83 acres of beautiful French countryside. Mature woodland and fields give the carp angler and his family total seclusion. Anglers have the chance to fish for quality carp in a spectacular location. Seeing the sunrise over the poplar trees and the first carp showing is breath-taking. Lac du Pèlerin has overhanging trees, reeds, irises and lots of wildlife - kingfishers, deer, eagles and waterfowl.
In addition to their popular flight packages - Stansted to Poitiers, now available pick-ups from La Rochelle, with flights from Birmingham, Southampton, Dublin and Glasgow. Quality tackle is included with these packages. You can also take advantage of their discount car hire rates. Lac du Pelerin is renowned for its stunning carp, topping 40lbs and its first class, two bedroomed, lakeside chalet.
Contact:
Graham Hackett 0033 549648819 Website www.lacdupelerin.com
16.02.06 - RIVERBANK EROSION SLOWED WITH TREE PLANTING
The Environment Agency has come up trumps in the search for a ‘green’ solution to an erosion problem on the banks of the River Otter. A fencing and tree planting project has been agreed in an attempt to slow down bank erosion and provide good wildlife habitat on the west bank of the river from Fluxton to below the Millenium Green at Ottery St Mary in East Devon.
Working with Devon County Council farm estates, landowners and other partners, the Environment Agency was keen to explore ways to slow down erosion and improve the habitat. If it is successful then other partnerships can be attempted throughout the catchments in East Devon.
In a separate project on the same part of the river, a specially designed fish pass has been built on the weir which help fish gain access to spawning areas upstream. A deeper channel of water is artificially created across the thinner film of water on the weir so the fish have an easier route.
"A lot of thought and effort has gone into the tree planting project and we hope that it will at least slow down bank erosion and improve the habitat for the local wildlife," said Derek Carter from the Environment Agency.
"Right from the outset all the partners involved with this scheme were keen to use an environmentally friendly solution rather than a hard engineering option. In addition to stabilising the bank, the tree planting will provide a valuable habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife."
The fencing and planting work is set to begin at the end of February and continue into early March 2006. Once in place the trees will quickly take root giving a natural look to the riverbank and slow down further erosion.
"We are really pleased to be able with the landowners and other partners to adopt a long-term sustainable solution that has knock-on benefits for the fish and wildlife. We would certainly recommend the use of tree planting to other riverbank," added Derek Carter.
Source: The Environment Agency - February 2006. Contact: Contact: bridget.norris@environment-agency.gov.uk
10.02.06 - KELLY HOLMES UNVEILED AS SCHOOL SPORT CHAMPION.
Dame Kelly Holmes was recently named the first National School Sport Champion in a bid to get more of the nation's children involved in PE and school sport. The double Olympic champion celebrated the launch of her new role by joining Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, and pupils at Acland Burghley School in London recently.
The Government-backed appointment in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, Sky Living For Sport and Norwich Union will see Kelly visiting schools and sports events across the country to promote the Government's strategy for school sport and help inspire and motivate young people into taking up sport and physical activity.
Kelly said:
"I'm both proud and delighted to have been asked to get more children active and healthy through sport. I believe I can help to encourage young people to get more involved and also make this a greater priority for everyone. I want to see real change and for more children to take part in more activities. We need to be a sporting nation and for that to happen we have to inspire, motivate, encourage and capture the imagination of all our young people so that sport becomes a part of their day-to-day lives".
"Winning the right to stage the Olympic and the Paralympic Games in 2012 has given British sport a tremendous boost and hopefully we can use this new opportunity to discover a few champions."
Tessa Jowell believes Kelly's appointment will further boost the sporting opportunities already available to children both in and outside school. She said:
"I have been talking to Kelly about what she could contribute to future generations since last summer and I'm delighted that the Youth Sport Trust has come up with a really strong package to make use of her skills. Kelly's support for the Government's school sport strategy will provide a real boost for school sport and she will no doubt show today's and tomorrow's young people why sport does matter - and how it can change your life for the better."
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