New Angling Development Programme for London

Published

Appointment of London Development Manager to boost sustainable angling in local communities

A joint initiative by the Environment Agency, Angling Trust and Thames21 aims to boost angling opportunities and the number of anglers in the capital with the appointment of a new angling development manager for London.

Grant Fear has a strong background in coordinating angling-related projects inLondonand is well-placed to work with communities across the capital to encourage people to fish their local waters.

There are a large number of excellent angling waters in London, many of which have been cleaned up by the environmental charity Thames21 over the past decade.  As well as the River Thames, there is a network of rivers, canals, reservoirs and ponds throughout the capital, but information about where to fish can be hard to come by for young people.

London Angling Development Manager Grant Fear said: ‘London is a fantastic place for angling, and many of our best fishing spots are under-utilised. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to make the sport more accessible for Londoners and to help ensure its sustainability into the future.’

Angling is an excellent activity for young or disaffected people as it encourages concentration, understanding of, and respect for, the natural world and builds a range of skills.  It has been shown to have a transformational effect on many young people who have got into trouble in the past. Additionally, the presence of anglers on the waterside can help prevent litter, graffiti, vandalism and reduce the rate and fear of crime.  Recent research has highlighted the important role that anglers play in maintaining and improving water environments.

Environment Agency Fisheries Specialist Lawrence Talks, said, ‘I am excited about the opportunities for developing angling in London and our partnership with Thames21 and the Angling Trust will help give Londoners the opportunity to try fishing, learn about wetland wildlife and get involved.’

Angling Trust’s Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said: ‘Grant’s appointment is supported by Sport England and will expand on some existing good work such as getting angling included in the London School Games.  He will be aiming to increase the training and coordination of coaches through two London Angling Action Groups and will also improve the availability of information about where to fish in the capital, particularly through Angling Trust member clubs and fisheries.’

Thames21 Chief Executive Debbie Leach said: ‘This initiative will be fantastic for both new and existing anglers inLondon. In Grant’s previous role with Thames21, he was responsible for introducing thousands of people to the sport.  Now, this important new partnership between Thames21, the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency will help create a vibrant, developing angling scene inLondonwhich opens up a range of opportunities and ways for people to enjoy and progress in angling.’

For more information, or to get involved, contact Grant Fear, grant.fear@thames21.org.uk/ 07969 645 201

Notes to Editors

  • The London Angling Development Programme is part of a partnership programme between the Angling Trust, Thames21 and the Environment Agency.
  • For more information about recent research highlight the beneficial effect of angling, go to: Fishing for Answers at www.susbstance.coop.
  • Thames21 is an environmental charity, working with communities to improve rivers and canals for people and wildlife. Thames21 is a keen supporter of angling programmes and coordinates the annual Catch21 programme to promote to engage people in fishing activities in London www.thames21.org.uk/catch21 @thames21 Facebook.com/Thames21
  • This post is being partly funded by rod licence money and  Sport England funding. It is an example of how rod licence money is reinvested into protecting and improving fisheries and into the sport of angling.
  • The Environment Agency is the leading public body protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It’s our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today’s society, so that tomorrow’s generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world.  Our work includes tackling flooding and pollution incidents, reducing industry’s impacts on the environment, cleaning up rivers, coastal waters and contaminated land, and improving fisheries and wildlife habitats.
  • Sport England is the government agency responsible creating a world class community sport environment. Sport England is accountable to Parliament through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Sport England’s new strategy is focused on helping people and communities across the country create a sporting habit for life. www.sportengland.org