Pembrokeshire Anglers and River Trust combine on Eastern Cleddau regeneration scheme

A little piece of river bank history was made recently as members of the Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust and the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association met at Gelli, near Llawhaden, in their new partnership with regard to part of the Eastern Cleddau – and those in attendance were Steve Brown and Nigel Mayhew (Pembrokeshire Anglers Association) plus Roger Burns and Lloyd Evans (Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust). 
The Eastern Cleddau "Bont" beat has recently been added to the PAA’s portfolio of fishing, so now local and visiting anglers can fish designated beats on both the Eastern and Western Cleddau if they join Pembrokeshire Anglers Association. Both organisations welcome, for the first time, the availability of a piece of riverbank on the Eastern Cleddau for public access fishing on a daily, weekly or seasonal basis.

Public access fishing vital

Public access fishing is essential for qualification for European monies from Objective 1 schemes in Wales to help develop and maintain the river banks and surrounding areas. In the last few years, grants for the Western Cleddau have enabled a new weir/fish pass in Haverfordwest, riverside planting and habitat improvement schemes which have helped to improve the fishing. Conversely the fishing on the Eastern Cleddau has deteriorated, with plenty of evidence of bank erosion and habitat degradation so a new stimulus provided by this new partnership should prove a great help there.

Five year agreement

The new five-year agreement for “The Bont” will allow habitat improvement projects on the Eastern Cleddau, and hopefully it will be restored to its previous glory. To join the Pembrokeshire Anglers Association, ring the Membership Secretary on 01437 769275 or see their website at   www.pembrokeshire-anglers.co.uk.  Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust can be found at www.pembsrt.org.uk – and both organisations would be delighted to hear from you.