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The charity making life better by water

Cast your nets for free in Leicester with Let's Fish!

People living in Leicester will have the chance to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing on the city’s waterways over the next month with free angling taster sessions taking place throughout July.

Families are welcome at Let's Fish! events and just as many adults as children participate

We are holding special Let's Fish! events at Wigston and Glen Parva encouraging families to have a go at fishing on their local canal.

It's part of a series of events the two organisations are running at locations up and down the country. The sessions will encourage people to get outdoors and experience the peaceful family time offered by fishing.

Visitors to the event will be taught the basics of fishing by a professional angling coach and get the opportunity to learn about the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers. All tackle and bait as well as a rod licence and fishing permit will be provided for free on the day meaning people can just turn up and have a go - although to be sure of your place its best to book in advance.

Funding for the sessions has come from the Trust, players of the People's Postcode Lottery and the Environment Agency, which uses money from fishing licence sales to provide more opportunities to go fishing as well as reinvesting in improving angling habitats and infrastructure.

John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Research tells us that just spending time by the water is good for our health and wellbeing but fishing is particularly good at helping us to feel happier and healthier.

“It's obviously a brilliant way to de-stress and to get out into the Great Outdoors but fishing is also surprisingly good exercise and the concentration required is great for our mental wellbeing.

“Our Let's Fish! events are always really popular with the whole family, kids love having the chance to catch their first fish and they provide the opportunity to enjoy some quality family time and have a go at something different. It's a great way for people to discover the amazing waterways that are right on their doorstep and available for everybody to enjoy.”

Clive Copeland, Head of Participation at the Angling Trust added: "We are incredibly enthusiastic to have the opportunity to work with the Canal & River Trust again in 2019. We're also very grateful for the continued support of the Environment Agency which recognises the importance of providing fun, safe and friendly events for beginner anglers.

“Let's Fish! events are the perfect chance for the whole family to get outdoors and learn about the beautiful network of canals and rivers that are right on most people's doorsteps. What's more Let's Fish! events are all free and that includes a day's fishing licence and permit as well as tackle and bait. Brilliant for so many mums and dads looking for healthy kids activities on a budget!"

Our waterways are home to millions of fish including around 40 different species. We are the single owner of coarse fishing rights in England and Wales with over 2,000 miles of waterways and over 40 feeder reservoirs. It is estimated that it would cost £40 million to replace all the Trust's fish stock.

Lets Fish! in Leicester

Sunday 7 July (10am – 4.30pm) – Grand Union Canal, Welford Road, Kilby Bridge, Leicester LE18 3TE (parking available in the Canal & River Trust yard next to the Navigation Inn)

Wednesday 17 July (10am – 4.30pm) – Grand Union Canal, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TL (parking available at Glen Parva Manor)

Wednesday 24 July (10am – 4.30pm) – Grand Union Canal, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TL (parking available at Glen Parva Manor)

Wednesday 31 July (10am – 4.30pm) – Grand Union Canal, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9TL (parking available at Glen Parva Manor)

Last Edited: 03 July 2019

photo of a location on the canals
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