Good angling practice to be promoted at Whitlingham

Angling opens to the public at Whitlingham Country Park on Saturday after a successful first year trial.

A management agreement between the Broads Authority, Whitlingham Charitable Trust, Norwich and District Pike Club and the Broads Angling Strategy Group involves anglers complying with a code of conduct on the River Yare. It has proved so successful that angling will now be promoted as one of the many activities available to the increasing number of visitors at the country park.

Volunteer angling wardens from Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association, supported by Norfolk Police, will patrol the river bank throughout the fishing season to promote good angling practice and give advice to anglers to help them fish in a safe and responsible way.

The 750 metre stretch of river bank can be reached at the far end of Whitlingham Country Park where there is a pay and display car park.

Martin Shaw, Chairman of Whitlingham Charitable Trust which manages the country park, said: “We are keen to promote responsible fishing which fits in well with our overall vision for quiet public recreation and enjoyment of the special natural environment at Whitlingham.

“We are especially grateful for the help offered by Norwich and District Pike Club and Norfolk Anglers Conservation Association to look after the river bank. I would ask all anglers using the bank to take on board any advice offered by them to help the Trust maintain the long history of public access to this stretch of river which is important for fishing.”

Stephen Roberts, Chairman of the Norwich and District Pike Club, said: “We are working hard with our partners to help preserve public access to the very special fishing on offer in our broads and rivers. I would ask all anglers to help protect the riverbank environment and fish in a responsible manner to help us promote and improve angling opportunities at Whitlingham Country Park, both now and in the future.”

It is hoped that introductory angling coaching courses could be run on the riverside at Whitlingham with a special emphasis on tailored events for families and youngsters.

People who are interested in learning more about angling should visit www.norwichpike.com ; www.norfolkanglers.co.uk and the Broads Angling Strategy group’s website www.basgonline.org