Fisheries Improvement Programme
THIS FUND HAS NOW CLOSED, ONLY PROJECTS SUBMITTED BEFORE 6th FEBRUARY WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING.
We had an amazing response in the first round with over 300 applications, understandably these will take some time to evaluate therefore the follow schedule has been proposed:
February – March: All submitted projects are reviewed and a decision on whether to fund or not it complete
April – May: Successful applicants will be contacted by the EA Area fisheries officers to agree project value/deliverables. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed.
In the last 5 years the Environment Agency has invested over £5,000,000 of fishing licence income in over 1,000 Fisheries Improvement Programme projects helping to make a real difference for coarse and trout fisheries across England by creating habitats and protecting fisheries from the effects of climate change. Local anglers will benefit from the projects too with some funding going towards the improvement of angling facilities to create more opportunities for people to get fishing.
The Environment Agency has announced that £730,000 is initially available in 2026. We advise you speak to your local EA fisheries officer and to gather costing and quotes for your project as soon as possible. You will need these in place in order to complete an application.
Who can apply?
Money for projects to improve habitat and facilities for anglers will be made available through the Fisheries Improvement Programme, which comes directly from sales of coarse and trout fishing licences in England and therefore is ring-fenced for use in England on coarse and trout fisheries.
The EA welcomes proposals from angling clubs, fisheries, NGOs, local authorities or other community organisations involved in angling.
How to apply
Follow these 3 steps
Read the guidance note for applicants (link below) which explains everything you need to know about how to apply to the fund. All applicants must first register their details and then submit an application using the online portal by clicking the link below.
A help sheet is also provided to aid the application process.
The initial deadline for applications is 6th February 2026.
Need further assistance?
For initial support please contact Andy Petch on: 07495 433 626