The Environment Agency is putting together a fisheries action plan for the River Colne and is inviting anglers to contribute in a workshop.
Fisheries action plans are developed in partnership with local angling and fisheries groups, and consult conservation and other interest groups. They are based on rivers but also include canals, lakes and gravel pits. They cover a wide range of issues from fish habitats, to angling promotion and land management and reflect the concerns and priorities of local anglers.
The Colne valley is a diverse habitat with 400km of rivers and canals and many stillwaters. It provides a wonderful environment for people to enjoy and supports more than 100 angling clubs. The River Colne and its tributaries are home to specimen chub, barbel, and wild brown trout and some of the best specimen carp waters can be found amongst the gravel pits scattered throughout the
Phil Belfield, fisheries officer from the Environment Agency, said:
“The purpose of the action plan is to involve as many interested people in the management and development of freshwater fisheries and to ensure we fulfil our fisheries duties in local areas.
“We are holding a workshop for anglers to draw up a list of issues which concern them. A fisheries action plan group will then agree targets and a list of actions. These actions will be spread over a number of years and the group will review progress at least annually.”
The workshop is being held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Stockley Road, West Drayton, on Sunday 19 February from 10.30am to 3pm. Coffee and a buffet lunch will be provided. Anglers unable to attend can email their views to rivercolnefap@environment-agency.gov.uk
