Canal & River Trust, the charity which works to protect the historic waterways network stretching 2,000 miles across England and Wales, has awarded the licence to manage its Blythe Waters Fishery in Solihull to Trevor Bowcott, following a competitive tender process.
Trevor has significant experience in fisheries management, both within the angling club arena where he is currently secretary of the PERLS angling club, and in commercial fishery ventures where he previously managed Northgate Fishery in Staffordshire. He is also the current secretary of the mid Trent Fisheries Consultative.
Trevor will work in partnership with the Trust on the management of the fishery, including several initiatives designed to expand the appeal of the site. Initial investment will include the reinstatement of fish stocks in Blythe Waters’ Bridge Pool within the next couple of months, and the reopening of the on-site café building by Easter. The venue will also stock ancillary fishing tackle items.
The Trust, the largest owners of fishing rights in England and Wales, also delivers the award-winning Let’s Fish! programme, which currently runs around 500 events every year, providing everything needed to enjoy a fishing session free on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence and fishing permit, as well as expert tuition from a coach, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Blythe will be one of several hubs within the charity’s new West Midlands Angling Academy, which is scheduled to be launched in the spring. Both Trevor and the Trust are keen to hear from current and prospective angling coaches who would be interested in finding out more about supporting the academy.
John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “I’m pleased to announce that Trevor Bowcott will be managing Blythe Waters Fishery from January. Trevor comes with a wealth of experience and a passion for angling that sets him in good stead to help this fantastic fishery thrive.
“With plans already in place to reopen the café as a welcoming one-stop shop for visitors’ fishing needs, Blythe Waters has great potential to serve the angling community, from veterans to first-timers discovering the sport. And, as a hub for planned West Midlands Angling Academy, there’s no better time to get on board.
“The Trust would also like to place on record our thanks to the previous incumbents at Blythe, Mr & Mrs Hooper, for their work running the fishery over the past 15 years.”
The fishery’s Bridge, Willow and Cherries pools are all ideal venue for club match bookings which are now being taken for 2024 and 2025.
To contact Trevor for more information, call 07486 522531.
Find out more about Blythe Waters Fishery here: Blythe Waters | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk).