The Angling Trust is delighted to launch a new ‘Fishery Improvement Fund’. The funding comes from the Environment Agency from some of the proceeds of rod licence sales.

The £65,000 Fund will make awards of up to £5,000 to eligible organisations for buying equipment, to make habitat improvements or for projects that get people fishing and support the aims of the National Angling Strategy ‘Fishing for Life’.

Importantly, applications to the Fund from commercial fisheries are welcome and clubs and organisations do not need to be members or be Angling Trust affiliated to apply.

Potential applicants are invited to visit the National Angling Strategy page at the Angling Trust website, where they can download a copy of the application form, eligibility criteria and additional guidance.

Applications must be posted or emailed to reach the Angling Trust by Tuesday 17th February 2015, and successful organisations must be able to spend the award by no later than the end of March.

Sarah Chare, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, said:

“This fund is just one way we spend rod licence income with partners to support anglers.  I am looking forward to see the great results these projects will bring.”

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, Angling Trust said:

“I am delighted that these funds are being made available from rod licence sales to help angling clubs and commercial fisheries improve their facilities for the benefit of fish and fishing.  Because of unavoidable delays to the announcement of the fund, we urge applicants to get in touch as soon as possible.  We will work very hard to respond rapidly after the deadline for applications so that people can get on with spending the money in preparation for the new season.”

For full details on how to apply please visit: www.anglingtrust.net/nationalanglingstrategy