So welcome, one and all, and more importantly tight lines and wet nets for the coming season!

I am pleased to announce that beginning from the glorious 16th of June an observational study of rivers, streams and waterways we fish, will begin. The information will be collected from various sources and gathered together to form an assessment of our waterways as seen by us.

This is proudly supported by the BFW, Barbel Society, Barbel Fishing (Prince of the River), Angling Trust and the Enviroment Agency, as well as other social media sites. The aim of the study is to survey the condition of the waters and how healthy a habitat they presently are, for all water based life.

The details being collected are very straight forward and quick to record for you. They will consist of: Location, Time, Date, Type of Sighting. The sightings can vary from extra low levels, fish struggling, silted gravels, predators ie) cormorant, otter, mink, crays etc. And please all positive signs you see, more fish than usual!! Preferably backed by pictures too.

This is purely an observational study to show everyone just how much we, as anglers – between us – on the banks every day and night, do actually witness. Please take the small amount of time it will take, to take part whenever possible.

Please remember – in an emergency – to call the Environment agency hotline first on ;0800 807060.