£224,787 was invested by the Environment Agency to improve fishing communities across the south-east last year, including improvements to a particular pond in Oxfordshire.

The funds were part of the more than £955,000 invested by the Environment Agency in 232 projects throughout the country to improve fishing communities, via the Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP).

The funds for the south east were accumulated from the sale of rod licences, with funds matched by regional partners, bringing total investment in the area close to £450,000.

Plough Pond in Southmoor, Oxfordshire, a one-acre private angling club pond, saw the installation of a new footbridge, handrail, and flat deck suitable for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, while accessibility improvements were also made to existing swims (angling platforms).

The improvements to the pond were made with £1,500 of FIP funding as well as match funding.

The 2023-2024 FIP funding round resulted in 5.5km of river and 58 hectares of stillwater habitat improved, 160 new angling facilities created, and 104 community events held across England.

More than 60 angling projects in the south east benefitted from the funding, which improved habitats and angling amenities, and helped reduce the impacts of global warming.

The Environment Agency's Solent and South Downs fisheries, biodiversity and geomorphology team leader, Amir Fogel, said: "Anglers often ask us about how we spend the money raised from the sale of fishing licences.

"The Fisheries Improvement Programme is a prime example of the wide range of activities this income pays for to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries and boost the popularity of angling.

"The programme is also a great demonstration of our partnership efforts, with many of the projects completed with the support of landowners, local businesses and fisheries clubs.

"All the projects will benefit anglers and local partners provide significant match funding and input from volunteers to make them a success.

"We want to hear from more clubs and fisheries about the work and projects they would like to see undertaken."

The FIP reinvests money generated by rod licences to improve the habitats of fish species, support angling clubs and fisheries to improve access to nature, and secure sustainable futures for English fisheries as the climate changes.

This year, £955,543 of rod licence income was reinvested into the scheme, with a further £1 million secured through match funding from partners.

Since its launch in 2015, the FIP has invested more than £20 million in more than 1,300 projects across the country.

To fish in English waterways, a valid rod fishing licence must be obtained, and can be easily purchased online.