Angling Trust

12 May 2020

Angling in Wales – Statement By The Angling Trust

The Angling Trust welcomes the decision to allow limited, local angling in Wales but wants Welsh anglers to have the same opportunities as their counterparts in England.

Full access to angling would fantastic news for Welsh anglers, whose mental and physical wellbeing depends on angling, both as an exercise activity and as a past time.

In a letter to First Minister Mark Drakeford, Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook said:

“We are seeking clarity on the guidelines surrounding the safe return of recreational angling in Wales.

We strongly advise that the Welsh Government adopts the comprehensive steps laid out in our when we fish again document (attached) so there is parity with England. Our report lays out safe ways in which individual anglers and fisheries can operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We believe adherence to our document in both England and Wales will be essential – lets consider that many rivers and fisheries in Wales share a border with England, and scenarios and questions are already arising. For example, a fishery owner on the river Wye has one bank in England, the other in Wales.

We note from Carwyn Jones SM, that it appears driving to fish in Wales is prohibited.

We put forward the case that many anglers are of an older demographic and therefore may find mobility an issue. In order to fish, anglers often need to carry equipment to and from the water, not being able to drive, even a short distance, will unduly restrict the activity for many of our older members. In addition, for disabled persons, angling is a favoured activity, and again, they would be excluded in taking part in a past-time that could be essential for their mental health and wellbeing.

Much as people can drive to garden centres, or DIY stores in Wales, we believe there is a case for being able to drive short distances to fishing venues – subject to the regulations. For example, just a few miles.

A comparable example would be In the Republic of Ireland, where fishing is being allowed within 5km of the home initially, and then within 20 km after 2 weeks. This permits driving to fish, thus allowing all demographics to enjoy, and not just those lucky enough to live close to a suitable venue.

The Angling Trust actively promotes angling in Wales, on behalf of Visit Wales and National Resources Wales, both of whom are Welsh government funded bodies. We have many individual anglers as well as clubs and fisheries in Wales who are members and we continue to work on their behalf.

19 January 2021

GET FISHING WINTER SERIES

Winter is a fantastic time of year to get outdoors and enjoy some time next to the water. The new Ge…

15 January 2021

Anglers to challenge Brexit bait ban

The Angling Trust has joined forces with bait manufacturers Dynamite and Mainline in urgently seekin…

13 January 2021

Lockdown fishing: updated guidelines published

After a hectic and successful week navigating the consequences for angling of the government’s decis…

Martin Salter lockdown angling — Blogpost

13 January 2021

How to fish safely during lockdown and how we…

Martin Salter has timely advice for all anglers, along with the inside story of how we managed to ge…

12 January 2021

Bass Fishing Measures For 2021

The government rolled over the 2020 bass fishing measures into 2021 as we waited an outcome from the…

08 January 2021

10 Great Short Session Fishing Tips

With anglers everywhere opting to keep it safe and local at present, short sessions make perfect sen…

07 January 2021

Fishing to be allowed during England’s national lockdown –…

The Government have now formally responded to the representations made by the Angling Trust. We have…

06 January 2021

Covid-19 Lockdown Newsflash

Following yesterday’s written communication from the Cabinet Office that fishing is to be proh…

05 January 2021

Statement on the new lockdown restrictions in England

The regulations have now been published and confirm this evening’s message from the Cabinet Office t…

05 January 2021

Winter Fishing Tips

It might be cold out there, but there are still some great fishing opportunities. Angling Trust blog…

Dave Munt and HRH The Prince of Wales 1080 x 1080-2 — Angling Trust

28 December 2020

Take a Prince Fishing – read how Angling Trust’s…

Dave Munt is a Club and Fishery Development Officer for the Angling Trust and he gets to work with s…

Get Fishing | Dawley Angling Society — Angling Trust

24 December 2020

Dawley Angling Society supports ‘Take a Friend Fishing’ this…

Dawley Angling Society based in Telford, Shropshire is supporting the ‘Take a Friend Fishing&#…

You might also like