20/12/2020
We’d like to ask all members to ensure they are aware of and follow the current Angling Trust guidelines. We will keep you updated as these get finalised.
https://www.facebook.com/126878947381288/posts/3485268474875635/?d=n
We have now gone through the new Covid Guidelines for Tier 4 (19th December) but the regulations are not yet published and we will want to run them past our lawyers. However, given the huge number of enquiries on this we are happy to issue this initial interpretation for the benefit of anglers, angling clubs and fisheries who now find themselves in a Tier 4 area.
In line with the 2nd national lockdown the Government have banned virtually all grass roots sporting competitions in Tier 4 areas. So unfortunately, and regardless of the ability to run angling competitions with no form of ‘gathering’, the new laws means that any form of competition, including more than 2 people from different households, is prohibited.
However, fishing with one other person from outside your household is allowed.
The Guidance states: “People can also exercise outdoors or visit some public outdoor places, such as parks, the countryside, public gardens or outdoor sports facilities. You can continue to do unlimited exercise alone, or in a public outdoor place with your household, support bubble, or one other person.”
On travelling - you can leave home for the purpose of: “spending time or exercising outdoors. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your Tier 4 area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)”
Full Government Guidance here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-4-stay-at-home
IMPACT ON ANGLING IN TIER 4
* Outdoor recreation remains permissible so fishing locally with one other is fine
* We are effectively back to lockdown in Tier 4 so no gatherings or matches (as in the last lockdown)
* Travelling to fish should be local and not involve entering or leaving or passing through a Tier 4 area
* Tackle shops and other stores can still remain open and operate click and collect
* Outdoor facilities such as fisheries can remain open.
* No time limits have been placed on outdoor recreation so night fishing remains permissible, as previously confirmed in writing by both DEFRA and DCMS, until we are advised otherwise.
* Voluntary or paid fishery management work, including bailiffing and maintenance work, remains a legitimate reason to leave home.
The rules for Tiers 1,2&3 remain in place and can be found here -
https://anglingtrust.net/covid-19/
Hope this helps - watch here for more updates
Stay Save and Tight Lines
Angling Trust
