Building on the success of the first round of funding earlier this year, the Fund will again be offering awards of up to £5,000 per project. This time, proposals are invited under two strands of the National Angling Strategy ‘Fishing for Life’ – either ‘getting kids into fishing’ or ‘protecting fish stocks from predation’.
As before, clubs and organisations need not be Angling Trust members or Angling Trust-affiliated to be eligible to apply and proposals from commercial fisheries are also welcomed. Clubs and fisheries that were unsuccessful in Round 1, but have a continuing need for funding in these two areas, are welcome to apply again.
Eligibility criteria and details of how to apply will be available to view and download from the Angling Trust’s dedicated Fishery Improvement Fund web page www.anglingtrust.net/improvementfund from Friday 12th June.
Applications should be emailed to reach the Angling Trust by the close of business on Monday 13th July 2015, and successful organisations must be able to spend the award by no later than the end of August.
‘Protecting fish-stocks from predation’ might include the erection of otter fencing (Photo courtesy of Corden Perimeter Systems)
In addition the Angling Trust will be running a series of workshops from Monday 22nd June to Thursday 25th June around the country to help clubs and organisations with the process and to provide pointers on what we would expect to see on a successful application. Details of these free events and how to book a place will be posted on the Angling Trust website soon.
Sarah Chare, head of fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: “The Fishery Improvement Fund is just one way the Environment Agency uses rod licence money to work with partners to benefit angling. The first phase saw some really good projects given money: from new fish refuges and revitalising disused stretches of river to improving access and creating new angling venues. I’m now looking forward to seeing great results from the second round, especially those which encourage young people to give fishing a go.”
Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, Angling Trust said: “Angling’s response to the first round was phenomenal and clearly demonstrates the huge demand for improved facilities and habitats at our fishing waters. This time around, we are looking to support two priority areas for anglers: getting more kids into fishing and sustaining their enthusiasm, and protecting fish stocks from predation. If you are interested in applying, or are looking for general tips on finding funding for your club or fishery, please do try and come to our workshops at the end of June.”
Details of the 17 projects funded in the first round of the Fund can be seen here: www.anglingtrust.net/improvementfund
For further information please contact Rick Warner, Fishery Improvement Fund Administrator, by email at rick.warner@anglingtrust.net
