Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Whilst Staying At Home

We recognise that this presents unprecedented times for us all; having to get used to staying at home and not getting out on the water. Whilst we are all doing our bit to keep us, our families and others safe there is also things you can do whilst at home, or out for your daily exercise to help the environment.

1.    Save your old fishing line and spools to recycle through the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme (ANLRS) https://www.anglers-nlrs.co.uk/

If you decide to respool your fishing line, rather than putting the line in the house bin keep hold of it. There are recycling line bins located at fisheries and tackle shops throughout the country where you will be able to take the line to be recycled after the movement restrictions have passed. You can find your nearest bin by typing in your postcode on the ANLRS website here. Alternatively, you can post it directly to ANLRS: ANLRS c/o Tools n Tackle, 11 Bridge Street, Newhaven BN9 9PH.

2. Litter picking whilst undertaking you daily exercise

Whilst you are out for your daily walk, run or cycle, why not take a bag with you so you can undertake an individual litter pick. If you pass any litter on your local route by picking this up you will stop that litter being blown down the drain or into your nearby water and from there entering the river and sea. If every angler collected 5 pieces of litter just once over the year, anglers alone could be responsible for removing some 15 million pieces of litter from the environment. So why not pledge to Take 5 over this time period, and undertake a litter pick whilst out on your walk.

We urge this should only be taken if it is safe to do so and you are able to do this whilst following the latest advice on our Angling Trust Covid-19 hub to keep you and others safe. As well as maintaining a safe distance between you and others, other key health and safety measures include:

• Please wear gloves at all times

• Please ensure that you have considered the weather and are wearing appropriate footwear and clothing.

• Be aware of sharp objects such as broken glass and disposable BBQs. If possible these should be placed in a separate container rather than the litter bag.

• Be aware of needles and syringes. Note the location but do not attempt to move these yourself. Contact your local council to arrange their safe collection and disposal

• If you are collecting litter near water bodies be aware of steep, slippery and unstable banks, uneven footing and fast flowing or deep water.

• Keep hands away from mouth and eyes while litter picking

• Wash hands and forearms thoroughly after the litter pick

• Always inform someone of where you are planning to go and when they should expect you back.

If you come across any hazardous items or fly-tipping please contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60

The most important thing is for us all to stay safe at all time and take care of ourselves and those around us. Happy picking!

Words by Dr. Emily Smith, Environment Manager for the Angling Trust.