Young nature warriors reel in success with Get Fishing Award achievements

A group of enthusiastic young Nature Warriors from Burnley and Pendle have made an impressive splash at Boggart Hole Clough this April, thanks to a series of bespoke fishing sessions supported by the Angling Trust’s Get Fishing Awards programme.

Nature Warriors is an indoor and outdoor activity group that helps the community get more active, promoting bushcraft, wilderness skills, and how young people can be ‘custodians of the earth’ through fun, engaging events that tackle the climate crisis.

The Nature Warriors were connected to the Get Fishing programme for bespoke events through the Angling Trust’s partnership outreach with Sporting Equals, an organisation that is an independent voice to serve ethnically diverse communities, promote community cohesion and to take action to eradicate racism in sport.

Facilitated by level 2 coarse coaches Duncan and Mike from the King William IV Angling Society, the three tailored sessions introduced the young participants – many of whom had never held a fishing rod before – to the joys of angling and the wonders of the natural world.

Shahid Hussain, 43, a volunteer group leader for Nature Warriors and a secondary school teacher, reflected on the impact of the experience:

“It was a fantastic morning on the lake – the excitement on the children’s faces, many of whom had never even seen a fish before, was unforgettable. Fishing is a powerful way to connect with nature, find silence, and just be present. As a computer science secondary school teacher, I love technology, but it’s about balance – too much screen time can be harmful. Activities like this remind young people – and their families – of what’s right on their doorstep. We want to inspire the next generation to explore the outdoors, appreciate it, and become custodians of the earth. It’s not just about catching fish – it’s about learning, respecting wildlife, and experiencing the richness of nature firsthand.”

One young participant shared his excitement, saying:

“I really enjoyed figuring out what kind of fish I caught from my leaflet – it was exciting and fun to learn something new!”

Duncan Mottershead, treasurer for King William and Angling Trust Level 2 coarse coach and an established game coach, praised the young anglers:

“The group were model students – wonderfully behaved, attentive, and eager to learn. It was an absolute pleasure to coach them. They did everything I asked and more – I couldn’t have asked for better young anglers.”

Regional Angling Development Officer for North West England, Darren Birch from the Angling Trust, was equally impressed by the group’s dedication:

“These young nature warriors arrived with a huge respect for the environment, and it showed in everything they did. Their talent and skill were remarkable – with almost half of the boys averaging around 10 fish each in just their second session! They approached fishing not just as a sport, but as a way to connect with nature responsibly. “Under the brilliant guidance of Duncan from King William IV Angling Society and additional Level 2 Coaches, plus the support and dedication of Nature Warriors leaders Rashid and Shahid, the boys have thrived. It’s been amazing to see such passion, progress, and a genuine love for the natural world.”

Yaegan Gore, Development and Partnerships Coordinator from Sporting Equals said:

“We recognised the transformative power of angling as a bridge between communities and nature.“We supported angling by co producing a survey to promote angling within ethnically diverse communities. The survey helped to gather insights on participation levels, barriers to entry, and the perceptions of fishing among different cultural groups. By identifying specific challenges and preferences, the survey seeks to inform targeted outreach and engagement strategies, fostering inclusivity in the sport. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance access to angling opportunities, celebrate cultural diversity in fishing practices, and build a more representative and inclusive angling community. On the back of the survey the Nature Warriors responded and have a shared commitment to inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and the celebration of diversity within the angling community.”

With support from committed volunteers and community leaders, these sessions not only introduced fishing to a new generation, but also helped reinforce a deeper appreciation for wildlife, conservation, and time spent in the great outdoors. Sessions have been discussed to continue.

The Get Fishing campaign to get more people fishing more often is funded by the Environment Agency from fishing licence income as part of the National Angling Strategic Services contract with the Angling Trust, and Sport England. Children under 13 do not need a licence, and licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free but you still need to register and receive a licence in order to go fishing. You can get a licence for the full year, for 8 days (ideal for holidays!) or just a day’s fishing.

NOTE: Although young children who are under 13 year old do not need a licence to fish, the person supervising them needs the proper fishing licence to take hold of the rod or to help the child fish with it.

The Angling Trust’s ‘Get Fishing’ campaign is proudly supported by
Shakespeare, Exclusive Tackle Partner and Angling Direct, Exclusive Retail Partner
as we all work towards getting more people fishing, more often.