The projects were delivered in collaboration with several different partners, including local angling clubs, rivers trusts and landowners.

The funding has helped to enhance fisheries, boost fish stocks and make improvements for anglers, angling facilities and the environment.

Mike Holland, Environment Agency Fisheries Specialist, said:

Anglers often ask us about how we spend the money raised from the sale of fishing licences. The Fisheries Improvement Programme is a prime example of the wide range of activities this income pays for in order to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries.

All of the projects we fund must demonstrate benefits for anglers. The Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) allows us to identify and invest in work supporting a local, sustainable future for angling.

The programme is also a great demonstration of our partnership efforts, with many of the projects completed with the support of landowners, local businesses and fishing clubs – it’s a real team effort! The more people who go fishing, the more we can invest.

Local FIP projects across Devon and Cornwall in 2021/22 included:

Rivers Deer and Claw

The Environment Agency, working with the Westcountry Rivers Trust and local angling associations, used FIP funding to carry out a range of work to improve bankside habitats and increase trout and grayling numbers in the Deer and Claw, tributaries of the River Tamar. The work has also created refuges for these and other fish, invertebrates and mammals.

Stafford Moor Fishery, Winkleigh

FIP funding was used to build an on-site permanent toilet block, improving access to facilities for less-abled anglers across the fishery.

Harper’s Lake, near Double Locks, Exeter

Working with Exeter and District Angling Club, FIP funding was used to install a new composting toilet, providing a sustainable alternative to the portaloos previously used at this remote site.

River Lyn fishery, near Lynmouth

The Environment Agency has used FIP funding to produce new eye-catching signage at this popular day ticket trout and salmon fishery on Exmoor.

The new signs promote the great fishing available, and include information on the salmon lifecycle, and health and safety. It’s hoped the new signage will encourage more anglers to fish this river and enjoy the benefits of being out in the outdoors.

Plymouth & District Coarse Angling Club – East Cornwall & West Devon

Working with Plymouth and District  Coarse Angling Club we used FIP funding to refurbish 4 fishing pegs and upgraded steps and walkways at the clubs St Germans fishery near Saltash, providing safe access around the fishery to all users. FIP funding has also paid for new aquatic plants and coir bank protection products which will installed to improve aquatic habitats and water quality at the clubs Filham Park fishery in Ivybridge and Cadover fishery in West Devon.