Catch’em young
The River Tweed Commission was established more than 200 years ago, with decades of stewardship over some of the most famous salmon beats.
The Tweed Foundation has been leading the way working in the community to promote angling and the role it can play in preserving environment, tradition and fish stocks. This year has seen the launch of TweedStart, working with the younger generation directly.
I was lucky enough to catch up with communications and fundraising officer Anne Woodcock to find out more.
She said: “The foundation is proud to announce the launch of the TweedStart Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to offer a holistic learning experience for young anglers, empowering them to become advocates who encourage others to discover the joys of angling and embrace their roles as custodians of our rivers.”
Jamie Stewart, CEO of the Tweed Foundation, said: “This initiative goes beyond simply promoting angling as a recreational activity. It acknowledges its substantial contribution to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals. We are deeply thankful to FishPal and Angling Clubs across the Tweed catchment whose contributions have helped to make this possible.”
The Tweed Foundation Young Ambassador program will allocate the donated funds towards acquiring essential equipment such as life vests, waders, rods, reels and lines.
These resources will empower young anglers to fully engage in the experience, whether on the Tweed catchment or at stillwater fisheries.
Will Draper, head of FishPal, said: “We’re delighted to support this initiative with the donations our anglers provide. We wish the Tweed youngsters tight lines.”
The equipment for the programme is being provided by Glasgow Angling Centre. Managing director Paul Devlin said: “It’s wonderful to contribute to the TweedStart Young Ambassadors initiative and give back to the sport.”
The first group of ambassadors hail from the upper Tweed in Peeblesshire, where the programme officially launched at Kailzie Trout Fishery.
Ben McCallum, Tweed Foundation education officer and project lead, said: “We foresee these ambassadors emerging as advocates for youth, not only within the Scottish Borders but also beyond, as we extend the programme into North Northumberland.”
The Tweed Foundation is committed to creating a vibrant community of young anglers who can come together, share experiences, and celebrate the joys of angling. Through the TweedStart Ambassadors Program, the aim is to cultivate a lifelong passion for fishing.
Get in touch at rivertweed. org.uk/tweed-foundation/ education/tweed-start
Even if you aren’t in the catchment, the TweedStart page has some excellent online resources to help them Go Wild For Fish.