HOOKED ON FISHING: Fun day on the water for families
AROUND 2,000 visitors have been hooked by family fishing days on local lakes.
The Hillingdon Council-run events pulled big crowds to Little Britain Lake and the River Colne in Cowley for the eighth year running, on the Sundays of July 24 and August 7.
The free events attracted around 2,000 visitors, with people of all ages and from all corners of the borough taking to the shores of the lake to give fishing a go.
Forty angling volunteers ran introductory fishing sessions, sharing tips and advice and encouraging families and budding new anglers to try it out as a hobby. The Environment Agency and Angling Trust held river dipping sessions which were a favourite with the children, who delighted in the wriggly creepy crawlies.
They kicked off their shoes, waded into the water and learned all about the habitats of the ‘minibeasts’ they found there.
Carp, tench and perch featured among the fish that were caught, with equipment and maggots supplied by the council.
The biggest weighed in at 2.4 kg. All of the fish caught during the two days were released back into the river and lake.
The fishing was complemented by a craft tent, food stalls, wildlife talks, face painting, a bouncy castle and bird box making, 40 of which were built and taken home.
Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, joined fishermen, women and children on the river bank and awarded first prizes to ‘Catch of the Day’ winners, Medha Nalla, seven, and Louise Holding, 10.
Cllr Puddifoot said: “It’s lovely to see different generations of many families outside enjoying the sunshine and learning how to fish.
“The council is committed to providing award winning green spaces, and opportunities, events and activities that encourage all of our residents to take time out and enjoy the wealth of nature and wildlife available in the borough.”