Angling Trust presents special awards to mark one year of water quality testing

The exceptional contributions made by anglers, clubs and partners have been recognised by the Angling Trust to mark the first anniversary of the national roll out of the Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) project.

What began as a pilot project in May 2022 testing river quality in the Severn catchment continues to go from strength to strength and now involves over 200 angling clubs and 450 volunteers across England and Wales, recording samples from almost 130 rivers across more than 50 catchments.

The WQMN is supported by Orvis and is a key part of the Angling Trust’s Anglers Against Pollution campaign. The data from water quality testing is already helping angling clubs to work with landowners, regulators, water companies and other partners to deliver improvements to their waters.

In welcoming the WQMN Awards, Activist Angler and actor Jim Murray said:

“Over the past year, the Angling Trust’s Water Quality Monitoring Network has been growing as clubs across the country sign up to test their own stretch of water. To honour these incredible activist anglers, the Angling Trust is giving away special awards for the most dedicated.

“On a personal note, and on behalf of the Trust, we would like to thank every organisation, every club, every individual involved for their hard work and dedication. We are fighting for the future of our rivers and this work is absolutely crucial, so please keep going.”

Volunteer of the Year Award

To celebrate the volunteer who has made the greatest individual contribution to the WQMN.

Winner:

• Ian Tucker on the Medway

Runners-up:

• Andy Hammerton on the Warwickshire Avon
• Phil O’Callaghan on the Severn
• Sam Doidge on the Kent
• David Clayden on the Nidd

Kris Kent, Angling Trust Campaigns & Advocacy Manager who leads on WQMN, said: “Ian has recorded over 60 samples and has appeared on the BBC local news and politics shows highlighting the issues on the Medway.  His results are already helping to drive improvements on his club waters.”

Angling Club of the Year Award

To celebrate the club that has made the greatest group contribution to the WQMN.

Winner:

• Girling Angling Society on the Warwickshire Avon

Runners-up:

• Royal Tunbridge Wells Angling Society on the Medway
• Shrewsbury Town Fisheries on the Severn

Kris Kent said: “Girling Angling Society have been involved from the outset and are a great example of how the WQMN can engage whole communities in addressing pollution on our rivers.”

Partner of the Year Award

The Angling Trust has received a great deal of support from a number of organisations over the last year and this award is for the organisation that has provided the most support to the WQMN.

Winner:

• North Wales Rivers Trust

Runners-up:

• The Grayling Society
• Cardiff University

Kris Kent said: “Working with the North Wales Rivers Trust resulted in 11 clubs and 30 volunteers joining the WQMN and will provide valuable data on the rivers of Northwest Wales.”

Outstanding Contribution Award

Winner:

• Glyn Marshall of Worcester Angling Society 

Kris Kent said: “So many people have helped in the development and delivery of the WQMN, and this award is for the individual that has done more than anyone, going above and beyond in addressing pollution on our waterways.

“Without Glyn, the WQMN may never have got off the whiteboard.  He coordinated the pilot on the River Severn, trained and supported local volunteers and promoted the WQMN at every opportunity often appearing in the press and media.”