Festival Fishing at Rotherhithe

Environment charity Thames21 will be providing free angling taster sessions for people of all ages at Canada Water on Sunday 3rd July 2005 from 11am as part of the Rotherhithe Festival.

Londoners more used to the hustle and bustle of city life, will have the chance to try their hand at angling with coaching and equipment provided by Thames21’s Tightlines project. Participants will have 20 minutes to catch as many fish as possible and during this time, will receive professional coaching about angling, the environment and the welfare issues affecting fish and wildlife. Prizes donated by the Environment Agency, Decathalon and Southern Angler will be awarded to the anglers who reel in the biggest catch. For those adults or juniors who decide they want more than a taster session, Thames21 will link participants up with the Rotherhithe Angling club who will be there on the day to discuss membership and answer questions.

Thames21’s Project Coordinator Grant Fear said: “Tightlines is all about using angling to get people caring for the health of our waterways and making the most of their local environment. Free taster sessions and links to local angling clubs means people gain new skills and confidence as well as access to often ignored, but beautiful water spaces in the heart of London.”Launched in March 2005 and funded by the Environment Agency, Tightlines encourages communities to use and enjoy London’s waterways by learning new fishing skills. Sustainable use of London’s waterways is one of the ways Thames21 encourage local people to place greater value on their waterways.

Event Details Sunday 3rd July, 11am onwards Thames21 Tightlines Marquee will be situated next to the Decathalon sports outlet at Canada Water. Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to create clean, safe and sustainable waterside environments. Thames21’s highest priority is the removal and prevention of litter. It also aims to improve the overall biodiversity and amenity value of rivers and canals. There is no statutory duty on any organisation to clear litter from rivers or canals. Tightlines is a two year project launching on Monday March 7th and is funded by the Environment Agency