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Lockdown measures are being modified - and for anglers in England, at least, that looks like the positive news so many have been waiting for.
On Sunday, May 10, Boris Johnson announced several tweaks to the rules during the deadly Covid-19 crisis. |
The Prime Minister had earlier unveiled the new message of ‘stay alert, control the virus, save lives’ in England.
The social distancing message is still being emphased as crucial, everywhere, to halt the spread of the nasty Covid-19 disease.
In England only, and from Wednesday 13th May 2020, people will be allowed to take unlimited exercise outdoors. And they will be able to enjoy parks and public spaces without having to exercise.
The prospect of an imminent return angling, with safe social distancing, caught many people and fishery controllers by surprise.
Exact details were being sought by the whole sport, with the Angling Trust leading the way, and promising updates.
Leading MP Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, tweeted: “In recent weeks our daily exercise has been so important to our health and wellbeing.
“Now in tentative steps forward, and in the least risky outdoor environments, we can imminently allow some sports activity like golf, basketball, tennis, fishing – solo/in households. Guidance to follow.”
And on Monday afternoon (May 11), the Government officially published its full 50-page document, called Our Plan To Rebuild: The UK Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy.
In the section on Public Spaces, and guidelines to kick in from Wednesday, May 13, it is stated: “People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish. For example, this would include angling and tennis.”
It will be up to fishery controllers, landowners and clubs to decide if and when they re-open… safely.
Some fisheries and clubs have quickly issued statements to say they will be reopening straight away (on Wednesday 13th May).
Many of those that are reopening have extra safety measures and/or restrictions in place. Other venue controllers are delaying their return to action.
It is important to check carefully before you travel to any fishing waters. Note also that some clubs will be able to quickly reopen some of their venues – but not necessarily all of them.
Initial statement from Trust
The Angling Trust’s new CEO Jamie Cook and chief policy advisor Martin Salter, a former MP, have both reacted quickly to the breaking news. They posted this statement on the Trust’s Facebook…
“Last week we launched our #WhenWeFishAgain campaign – with thousands of you getting involved.
“This week #WeAreFishingAgain – with angling in England due to begin on Wednesday 13th May 2020.
“We’ll keep an eye on the detail and keep you updated – but for now it’s positive news for the angling community.
“It is absolutely crucial that social distancing measures are adhered to and that the guidance to participate alone or with members of your own household are followed.
“We must not breach the rules the Prime Minister has laid down and we must ensure that we all act as ambassadors for our sport.
“Our phase one guidance portal is available to help clubs, fisheries and anglers prepare for our safe return to angling.
“We’re proud to have represented anglers in these discussions. We appreciate the support of those who have had input and who have joined us over the past week.
“We hope that many more of you who have seen the benefit in working together with a single voice on the big issues impacting our sport will join us to build a bright new future for fish and fishing. We are stronger together!”
Subsequent developments
The Angling Trust’s Jamie Cook and Martin Salter shared more information, which is still evolving, via a Facebook Live on Monday evening (May 11).
That detailed video forum ran for over an hour and was broadcast via Angling Trust’s Facebook page, and was hosted by Ali Hamidi. All three men were speaking from home. We have added the recording below.
The social distancing message is still being emphased as crucial, everywhere, to halt the spread of the nasty Covid-19 disease.
In England only, and from Wednesday 13th May 2020, people will be allowed to take unlimited exercise outdoors. And they will be able to enjoy parks and public spaces without having to exercise.
The prospect of an imminent return angling, with safe social distancing, caught many people and fishery controllers by surprise.
Exact details were being sought by the whole sport, with the Angling Trust leading the way, and promising updates.
Leading MP Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, tweeted: “In recent weeks our daily exercise has been so important to our health and wellbeing.
“Now in tentative steps forward, and in the least risky outdoor environments, we can imminently allow some sports activity like golf, basketball, tennis, fishing – solo/in households. Guidance to follow.”
And on Monday afternoon (May 11), the Government officially published its full 50-page document, called Our Plan To Rebuild: The UK Government’s Covid-19 Recovery Strategy.
In the section on Public Spaces, and guidelines to kick in from Wednesday, May 13, it is stated: “People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish. For example, this would include angling and tennis.”
It will be up to fishery controllers, landowners and clubs to decide if and when they re-open… safely.
Some fisheries and clubs have quickly issued statements to say they will be reopening straight away (on Wednesday 13th May).
Many of those that are reopening have extra safety measures and/or restrictions in place. Other venue controllers are delaying their return to action.
It is important to check carefully before you travel to any fishing waters. Note also that some clubs will be able to quickly reopen some of their venues – but not necessarily all of them.
Initial statement from Trust
The Angling Trust’s new CEO Jamie Cook and chief policy advisor Martin Salter, a former MP, have both reacted quickly to the breaking news. They posted this statement on the Trust’s Facebook…
“Last week we launched our #WhenWeFishAgain campaign – with thousands of you getting involved.
“This week #WeAreFishingAgain – with angling in England due to begin on Wednesday 13th May 2020.
“We’ll keep an eye on the detail and keep you updated – but for now it’s positive news for the angling community.
“It is absolutely crucial that social distancing measures are adhered to and that the guidance to participate alone or with members of your own household are followed.
“We must not breach the rules the Prime Minister has laid down and we must ensure that we all act as ambassadors for our sport.
“Our phase one guidance portal is available to help clubs, fisheries and anglers prepare for our safe return to angling.
“We’re proud to have represented anglers in these discussions. We appreciate the support of those who have had input and who have joined us over the past week.
“We hope that many more of you who have seen the benefit in working together with a single voice on the big issues impacting our sport will join us to build a bright new future for fish and fishing. We are stronger together!”
Subsequent developments
The Angling Trust’s Jamie Cook and Martin Salter shared more information, which is still evolving, via a Facebook Live on Monday evening (May 11).
That detailed video forum ran for over an hour and was broadcast via Angling Trust’s Facebook page, and was hosted by Ali Hamidi. All three men were speaking from home. We have added the recording below.
BBC News also highlighted angling as one of the pursuits to be widely possible again, giving Jamie Cook some TV airtime to explain its benefits.
Source: Anglers Mail
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