Angling clubs will now have the opportunity to book fishing days at a brand new fishing lake, helped by a grant from Defra’s Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES), which is delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS).
The coarse fishing lake at Beech Farm in Sheepscombe, Gloucestershire was the idea of farmer Philip Hinds, who decided to diversify his 200-acre beef farm. Philip worked with local angling groups to develop the fishing lake and facilities.
The lake has 40 fishing pegs, 11 of which are suitable for disabled anglers. Anglers will be able to fish for a variety of coarse fish including carp, roach and dace. A pavilion houses the toilet facilities, including facilities for the disabled. Surrounding the lake are stands of mature trees and planting has been done all round to enhance the landscape views.
Philip Hinds said: “Right from the start of the project, I knew that for the lake to succeed it would have to really meet anglers’ needs. The discussions I’ve had with local angling groups have been invaluable in identifying what they look for, in terms of both environment and facilities. There are 80 angling clubs in Gloucester alone that we are hoping to attract. We hope to take bookings from clubs from further afield or for corporate days out, for which we could provide catering.
“I’d like to thank all the anglers who contributed to the development of this project, and Defra’s RES for their financial support.”
Tim Crabb, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the South West, said: “The fishing lake is a good example of a farm diversification business. The facilities will provide valuable extra income for the farm and give a boost to the local economy, while providing club anglers with a great day out.”
Angling clubs wishing to fish at Beech Farm Fishing Lake can call 07968 189251 to make a booking.
FISHINGmagic Notes
1.The Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) is one of the schemes which operate under the England Rural Development Programme. Its coverage is wide-ranging with the primary aim being to help farmers adapt to changing markets and develop new business opportunities. RES also has a broader role in supporting the development of the rural economy, community, heritage and environment so other rural businesses, partnerships, companies and rural community groups are also eligible to receive funding.
2.Around £ 150 million of EU and Government money has been allocated to RES from April 2001 to 2006. The scheme is available throughout England, except in designated Objective 1 areas such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly where separate funding schemes apply.
3.The England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) provides a framework for the operation of 8 separate but integrated schemes which provide new opportunities to protect and improve the countryside, to develop sustainable enterprises and to help rural communities to thrive. The schemes (and a brief outline of their aims) are:
*Environmental Stewardship (a new scheme replacing the Countryside Stewardship, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Organic Farming Schemes, which are now closed to new applicants). The scheme is designed to conserve England’s countryside, securing widespread environmental benefits.
*Hill Farm Allowance (supporting sustainable farming in the English hills).
*Woodland Grant and Farm Woodland Premium Schemes (encouraging planting of new woodland and maintenance of existing woodland).
*Energy Crops Scheme (encouraging renewable energy production).
*Rural Enterprise Scheme (supporting a diversified and enterprising rural economy).
*Vocational Training Scheme (improving occupational skills of farmers).
*Processing and Marketing Grant (improving agricultural processing and marketing infrastructure).
4.A total of £ 1.6 billion of EU and Government money is being made available under these schemes in England during the 7 years (2000 to 2006) of the Programme.
5.For more information on any of the schemes in the ERDP, contact your local Rural Development Service office or visit the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk
6.The Rural Enterprise Scheme is delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS) which, with the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget, is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England. The Rural Development Service has multi-skilled teams of around 1,500 staff working in eight regions across England and works with rural partners and local people to achieve:
-Environmental enhancement
-Better conservation of wildlife and biodiversity
-Stronger rural economies and communities.
7.As part of Rural Strategy 2004, Defra has reviewed its funding streams for rural areas. The Department is committed to reducing the current range of schemes and programmes to a framework based around three major funds targeted to the three Departmental strategic priorities impacting on rural areas: environmental land management and natural resource protection; sustainable rural communities; and sustainable food and farming. This approach aims to achieve greater simplicity for customers and to improve value for money; it is being implemented progressively, with the final stage to be completed with the roll out of the next rural development programme (2007-2013). Further details of the funding streams review can be found at:
www.defra.gov.uk/rural/ruraldelivery/funding.
