Get Fishing Fund – Funded Project: Fishing Opens New Horizons for Somerset Pupils – get fishing this summer holiday with the Angling Trust and Environment Agency

More than 50 children from schools across Somerset have recently taken part in a unique initiative aimed at introducing them to the joys of fishing – and for many, it has been a transformative experience.

Led by the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) in collaboration with Summerhayes Juniors, Summerhayes Fisheries, and supported by Environment Agency funding via the Get Fishing Fund administered by the Angling Trust, this new programme has given children who may not typically participate in mainstream sport the opportunity to try something new.

Over the course of six sessions held this spring, pupils from a wide range of backgrounds – including those with additional needs and those disengaged from traditional PE (Physical Education Lessons) were invited to cast a line and explore the world of angling.

The results have been extraordinary!

Smiles, laughter, and genuine awe have echoed around the banks of Summerhayes Fisheries as children landed their first fish. For many, it was the first time they had experienced any form of outdoor activity in a structured but relaxed setting. Teachers and staff have commented not just on the enjoyment the sessions brought, but also on the change in confidence and behaviour they witnessed in pupils who often struggle in the classroom.

The schools involved include St Margaret’s, Robert Blake, Elmhurst Juniors, Combe St Nicholas, Court Fields, St Michael’s, Chard School, Hill View, Preston School, Fairmead Special School, and The Levels School. In several cases, schools brought multiple groups of pupils due to overwhelming interest and glowing feedback from the children who attended earlier sessions! A fantastic endorsement for angling as a way to unlock interest in pupils who found a vehicle to re-connect with nature via the simple act of going fishing.

Scott Brooks, SASP’s School Games Organiser and one of the driving forces behind the initiative, has worked tirelessly to make the programme a success.

“We knew that angling could offer something unique,” said Scott. “For children who don’t thrive in team sports or who find school difficult, this was about providing a calm, inclusive and engaging experience. Watching a young person land their first fish – the pride, the excitement – it’s something truly special. And it’s more than just fun; it builds confidence, focus, patience, and connection with nature.”

Each session was held at Summerhayes Fisheries, a well-maintained and accessible location perfect for introducing beginners to fishing. With the support of trained volunteer coaches and staff from Summerhayes Juniors, children were guided safely and gently through the basics of angling. Everything from baiting a hook to landing a catch was covered, with time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the peaceful environment.

The Angling Trust also played a crucial role in ensuring the sessions met the highest standards. Dean Asplin, one of the Trust’s regional leads, helped organise training for the volunteers and ensured proper safeguarding, coaching, and equipment standards were in place.

“We’re proud to be supporting grassroots projects like this,” said Dean. “Angling is a sport that’s open to everyone, regardless of background or ability. It offers enormous wellbeing benefits and can become a lifelong hobby. Programmes like these not only introduce children to fishing but show them they belong – outdoors, in sport, and in their communities.”

The response from schools has been nothing short of remarkable. Numerous teachers have written to SASP to express their thanks and to share just how much their pupils enjoyed the experience.

One teacher from Fairmead Special School described the day as “one of the most rewarding trips we’ve ever taken,” saying that several pupils who struggle with anxiety were visibly calmer and more confident by the end of the session.

Staff from The Levels School noted how several pupils who rarely engage with sport in school were animated and engaged throughout, with one child declaring it was “the best day ever.” A representative from Court Fields said they were “blown away” by the level of care, attention, and enthusiasm shown by the staff and volunteers, adding that they hoped to return with another group in the near future.

But perhaps the most telling endorsement came from the children themselves – whose beaming faces, excited chatter, and reluctance to leave at the end of the day told the story far more vividly than words ever could.

The initiative highlights the growing importance of inclusive, non-traditional pathways into physical activity. For children with autism, ADHD, sensory challenges, or simply those who don’t see themselves reflected in traditional PE lessons, fishing offers a safe, calm and highly rewarding alternative.

The volunteers from Summerhayes Juniors, who gave up their time to help deliver the sessions, have also expressed how rewarding the experience has been.

“We’ve absolutely loved being part of this project,” said one volunteer. “To see the excitement on the children’s faces and to work alongside SASP and the Angling Trust in making this happen has been incredibly fulfilling. We’re already looking forward to doing even more together in the future – this is just the beginning.”

And with over 50 children already having participated, there are calls to expand the programme even further.

“We’ve seen how powerful this is,” said Scott Brooks. “We’d love to work with more schools, more coaches, and give more young people this experience. With the right support, there’s no reason why angling couldn’t become a regular fixture in the school sport calendar.”

For now, the programme has wrapped up for the summer term – but the legacy is already visible. Some schools have reported children asking to go fishing with their families, while others are exploring ways to bring angling into their enrichment or wellbeing curriculums.

Thanks to the vision of SASP, the dedication of Summerhayes Juniors and its volunteers, the support of Summerhayes Fisheries, and the guidance of the Angling Trust, this project has achieved far more than just teaching children to fish.

It has given them confidence. It has offered them calm. And it has reminded every adult involved just how powerful sport – in all its forms – can be.

None of this would have been possible without the generous backing of the wider community. Funding from the Somerset Community Foundation provided the foundation to get the project off the ground, while respected angling brands Matrix and Drennan stepped in with vital equipment and tackle donations that made the sessions accessible, safe and enjoyable for every child. Their support has been pivotal in helping to create a legacy that will benefit Somerset’s young people for years to come.

Going fishing is about much more than just catching a fish. It provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors, away from the pressures of normal life. Spending time near water has been found to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing, increasing happiness and enjoyment of life, as well as reducing anxiety levels.

Anyone who has been fishing will know how beneficial angling is at boosting mental health and wellbeing, in fact this led to the Get Fishing for Wellbeing project, that helps individuals access “fishing on prescription” via social prescribing, the NHS and GP network by championing our Get Fishing for Wellbeing – Approved standard so that consistently high-quality experiences and benefits of angling activity can be prescribed to people with social, mental health, physical health and wellbeing needs.

Fishing provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and feel the range of benefits that spending time outdoors can bring. If you’re new to fishing, there are lots of ways to get started and you can find a Get Fishing event for newcomers or contact one of our Regional Angling Development Officers to get more info.

What is the Get Fishing Fund?

The Get Fishing Fund has invested nearly £200,000 of fishing licence money to help get more people into fishing over the past year. The fund is provided by the Environment Agency and administered by the Angling Trust. The Environment Agency supports angling-based projects with grants of up to £2,500 to help purchase equipment, fishing tackle, resources and run fishing activities that give people the opportunity to get into fishing for the first time.

About Get Fishing

Get Fishing is the Angling Trust‘s campaign to grow participation in angling and get more people fishing more often. Annually, the Get Fishing campaign introduces over 30,000 people to angling at hundreds of fun, safe and friendly events 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 fishing licence, and fishing licences for children aged between 13 and 16 are free but you still need to register and receive a licence before you start fishing. You can get a fishing licence for the full year, for 8 days (ideal for holidays!) or just a day’s fishing.

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.