Lets Fish! Canal & River Trust calls on families in Burton on Trent to have a go at Fishing!

The Canal & River Trust, the charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is encouraging families in Burton on Trent to visit their local waterway and have a go at fishing.

The charity is inviting people to try fishing for free during an event taking place on the Trent & Mersey Canal off Hillfield Lane, near Stretton, on Saturday 23 June – World Fishing Day. It’s part of a series of events the Trust is running in partnership with the Angling Trust at locations up and down the country. The sessions will encourage people to get outdoors and experience the peaceful family time available on their doorstep.

Visitors to the event will be taught the basics of fishing by a professional coach and get the opportunity to learn about the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers. All tackle and bait as well as a rod license and fishing permit will be provided for free on the day meaning people can just book in and have a go.

Recent research commissioned by the Trust shows that simply spending time by the waterways can make you happier and improve your wellbeing. With ever increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and other debilitating conditions and rising levels of stress, anxiety and other mental health conditions in the UK, the Trust believes waterways are uniquely placed to make a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of the millions of people who live within easy reach of one of its free-to-use canals or rivers.

John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust, explains; “Fishing on your local canal or river is a great way of clearing your mind and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Many people may not realise that it’s also great exercise and that you can burn 500 calories in one morning’s fishing.

“Our free Lets Fish events are an opportunity for local people to learn a new skill, relax, and enjoy spending time together with family and friends. It’s surprisingly easy to learn and the concentration involved can be great for our mental wellbeing.”

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Hillfield Lane, near Stretton DE13 0BL. Find all of our events here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Get Fishing campaign is run by the Angling Trust and funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income, to increase the number of people being introduced to angling across the country. Anyone interested in going fishing can find angling events at Get Fishing Near You The events listed are for all participants regardless of gender, age, fitness or previous angling experience.
Contact: Will Smith, Angling Promotion Manager, Angling Trust on will.smith@anglingtrust.net

The Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales.  We believe waterways have the power to make a real difference to people’s lives and that spending time by water can make us all healthier and happier. By bringing communities together to transform their local waterway, we are creating places and spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone, every day.
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk @CanalRiverTrust @crtcomms