Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: The Unsung Heroes of Welsh Angling Clubs

As we mark Volunteers’ Week, we call on everyone to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution made by Welsh angling clubs.

Thousands of anglers each year – locals and visitors – enjoy the benefits of fishing angling club waters in Wales, with over 120 Welsh clubs providing access to a vast array of water types and often at a very reasonable cost.

Behind the scenes there is an army of dedicated volunteers making it all possible.

The vast majority of angling clubs in Wales are run entirely by volunteers. Club committees, bailiffs, conservation officers and countless other club members give up their time throughout the year to ensure that waters are maintained, fish stocks are protected, and facilities remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.

From organising work parties and habitat improvements, to managing memberships, issuing permits, maintaining banks and paths, and engaging with local communities, volunteers are at the heart of Welsh angling clubs.

Their commitment helps safeguard our fisheries for future generations while providing affordable and welcoming opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors.

One of the most important roles they play is securing access to water. In Wales, the vast majority of lakes and rivers are privately owned. Without angling clubs stepping in to lease or purchase these waters, there would be no public access to fish them at all.

In other words, the existence of clubs is what turns privately owned water into shared, managed access for the angling public.

Angling club volunteers do a lot – they manage memberships, issue permits and day tickets, handle bookings, and ensure fisheries operate within legal frameworks. This includes insurance, risk assessments, bylaw compliance, and club rules, all designed to protect both anglers and the fish themselves.

Not to mention the hard physical graft on the bank – from clearing up litter, digging out new swims, installing platforms, pulling out snags and weed, maintaining club boats, car parks and buildings; the work behind the scenes can be seemingly endless.

Angling club volunteers also play a vital role in supporting participation in angling, helping newcomers get involved, running events, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the many benefits of fishing.

This Volunteers’ Week, we extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and passion to support angling in Wales. Your hard work often goes unseen.