The Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) has reinvested £10 million of rod licence income to support over 1,500 projects over the years and the Environment Agency is inviting angling clubs, fishery owners and other partners to apply for funding for 2026.
Project priorities include habitat, angler access and reducing the impacts of climate change and the EA is inviting applicants to discuss ideas with their local fisheries officer prior to submitting while welcoming offers of match funding.
In the last five years alone, the EA has invested over £5 million 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.
A spokesman said: “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.”
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.
The initial deadline for applications is February 6th, 2026.
Find out more HERE