Environment Agency and IFM Delivers Free Stillwater Management Training to Support Resilient Fisheries

The Environment Agency, working in partnership with the Institute of Fisheries Management, has successfully delivered six Stillwater Management courses to the public during the winter of 2025/26.

The two-day workshops were designed specifically for angling clubs, fisheries and individuals involved in the management of stillwaters. Their aim was to build resilient, balanced fisheries by improving understanding of common fisheries issues and sharing practical, effective management techniques.

Around 150 members of the public took part in the training, with participants subsequently sharing learning and best practice with more than 80 angling clubs and fisheries across Staffordshire, Somerset, Hampshire, Kent, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The courses helped raise awareness of key fisheries challenges, how to identify emerging issues, and how to develop and implement clear management plans.

All six workshops were fully funded by the Environment Agency, enabling attendees to take part free of charge. This investment was made possible by reinvesting income generated through the sale of rod licences, ensuring that licence fees directly benefit anglers and fisheries.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with 89% rating the workshops as “Very Satisfied”. Participants praised both the depth and quality of the content, with comments including:
“It covered everything I hoped for and more” and “No improvement required! Only downside is that there isn’t more of them! Absolutely outstanding event.”

Environment Agency staff also highlighted the value of the programme, with 100% of respondents stating they would support future events and describing the workshops as very beneficial to their local areas.

One Environment Agency team commented:
“These workshops are an excellent opportunity to educate and engage with our local clubs and fisheries. They are a great use of rod licence income and really empower participants to develop clear plans for improvement and, more importantly, to understand how to implement those plans effectively.”

Another added:
“Great course – it got all the clubs talking and helps them support fish health in their lakes.”

The success of the Stillwater Management workshops demonstrates the positive impact of collaboration, targeted training and reinvestment of rod licence income in supporting sustainable fisheries management.