© Completefisher 2006
A Website for all Anglers, the ‘Completefishers’
Wild Trout Trust Conservation Awards 2006
Held once again at the Scotland Office, Westminster, the gathering of Anglers, Conservationists and guests all turned out in their finery to attend the 2006 Conservation awards sponsored by the Wild Trout Trust and “The Classic Malts”, ne’er a wader or Wellington boot in sight, even the most retiring river keeper was suitable trimmed and coppiced for the occasion.
Spotting several stalwart conservationists and angling personalities among the throng it was difficult this year to highlight any person for special attention, but the persona and charisma of Prof David Bellamy (one of the WTT Vice Presidents) had us all captivated as he recounted a tale or two during the informal speeches.
It was nice also to catch up with Theo Pike and hear about “The River Wandle Trust” and their “trout in the classroom” project which will be a follow up conservation matters piece next year.
The annual conservation award has been running since 1998 and recognises and encourages excellence in the growing activities of wild trout habitat management and conservation. The award celebrates the efforts, ingenuity and the imagination of those involved.
The competition is open to entry from individuals or organisations in two different categories: Amateur and Professional and the prize money is sponsored by Classic Malts with prizes for both categories
In arriving at their decisions the judges mark each project according to 10 different major criteria.
General Conservation Value: Appropriateness of the scheme to the site: Funding and value for money: Techniques used: Impact on wild trout: Sustainability: Improved fishing value: Ease of access & Management: Report Presentation: General value to the wild trout cause.
The winners:
Amateur Category: £1500 Prize – Rehabilitation of the Fergus System County Clare, Ireland (Ennis and District Anglers Association)
Amateur Category: £500 Prize – Habitat Restoration of the River Wylye, Wiltshire (The Wilton Fly Fishing Club
Professional Category Winner (joint 1st Place) £1000 Prize – “Going Wild”, Rivers Wye Lathkill and Bradford, Derbyshire ( The Haddon Estate)
Professional Category Winner (joint 1st Place) £1000 Prize – The River Monnow Project (The Monnow Fisheries association)
Our congratulations to them all, and once again to remind all of you that care about the future of Salmo Trutta to visit the website www.wildtrout.org maybe to join the Wild Trout Trust or offer your support via cash or prize donations in some way.
