03/02/2006 - 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 it's
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 pitts scattered throughout the
Colne Valley.
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 Stockely 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
