CHESHIRE residents will have the chance to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of fishing on their local waterways this half-term school holiday with a free angling taster session taking place in Chester.

Made possible with the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the Canal & River Trust and Angling Trust is holding special Let’s Fish! events throughout the county this month, encouraging families to have a go at fishing on their local canal.

It’s part of a series of events the organisations are running at locations up and down the country – with almost 300 sessions having already taken place this year.

The sessions encourage people to get outdoors and experience the peaceful family time offered by fishing.

Visitors to the events are taught the basics of fishing by a professional angling coach and get the opportunity to learn about the huge variety of fish found in canals and rivers.

All tackle and bait as well as a rod licence and fishing permit is provided for free on the day, meaning people can just turn up and have a go - although to be sure of your place its best to book up in advance at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish.

John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Research tells us that just spending time by the water is good for our health and wellbeing but fishing is particularly good at helping us to feel happier and healthier.

“We want more people to feel those benefits for themselves and, thanks to the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’ve held almost 300 Let’s Fish! events across the country this year.

"These events have given around 8,500 people the chance to have a go at fishing – many for the first time – and to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of being by water.

“The events coming up over half-term in Cheshire are a great opportunity to enjoy some quality family time and give the kids a chance to catch their very first fish. It’s a great way for people to discover the amazing waterways that are right on their doorstep and available for everybody to enjoy.”

Sanjay Singh, senior manager of environment at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Our players have supported many initiatives by Canal and River Trust since 2012 and Let’s Fish is another wonderful event to engage the local communities of Cheshire whilst encouraging families to spend some quality time together learning a new skill.

"It’s great for everybody, no matter your background to experience the health and wellbeing benefits of doing something outdoors in your local area.”

The Canal & River Trust’s waterways are home to millions of fish, including around 40 different species.

The charity is the single largest owner of coarse fishing rights in England and Wales with over 2,000 miles of waterways and over 70 feeder reservoirs. It is estimated that it would cost £40 million to replace all the Trust’s fish stock.

To find a Let’s Fish! taster session near you go to www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/lets-fish.

  • The Chester event is taking place on Tuesday, October 29, from 10am-4.30pm at the Shropshire Union Canal by Eggbridge Lane, Waverton, Chester, CH3 7PE.