Update: Attenborough Nature Reserve confirms anglers could now return

Anglers look set to return to Attenborough Nature Reserve after talks between fishing groups and the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT). The Countryside Alliance recently wrote to the NWT's chief executive to outline our concerns over any unjust curtailment of the activity.

Earlier this year it was reported that the Nottingham Anglers' Association (NAA) had its licence withdrawn after negotiations with the trust broke down.

Renowned angler and Alliance spokesman Charles Jardine hit out at the time saying: "It is essential that no unnecessary restrictions are brought in which could impede the ability of people to take part in this important activity. Doing so could prove a determent to river-based conservation work, rather than aide it".

Now, after discussions with groups including the Angling Trust, anglers could return by June 2023. The exact details of where and how fishing can take place are yet to be decided, but the Countryside Alliance considers this an important step in the right direction.

Last month, Alliance Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, wrote to Paul Wilkinson, CEO of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust urging him to revisit the decision not to renew fishing at the Attenborough Nature Reserve as a matter of priority.

In his letter, Mr Bonner said: "Given the trust relies on public money, I can see no viable reason whatsoever as to why a legal activity is being prevented in this way, especially when local anglers have fished at the reserve for many years.

"We share concerns with other angling groups that this decision has been influenced by a more radical animal rights tendency within the Trust and would appreciate a full response outlining who at the trust has been responsible for making and influencing this unfortunate stance. Our community, like the public, deserve full transparency".

This sounds positive. Good result for all those organisations who questioned @Nottswildlife's 'no angling policy' https://t.co/r9iOLocbzd

— Tim Bonner (@CA_TimB) August 11, 2022

Speaking in response to the latest development, Mr Bonner said: "This is clearly a positive step in the right direction. This is a good result for all those organisations who questioned the NTT's 'no angling policy'".

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