A Labour-led council has been criticised after it banned fishing at a lake as part of plans to turn it into a “biodiversity hub”.

Local anglers have been told to stop casting lines at Wingerworth Lido in Chesterfield after North East Derbyshire district council failed to renew licences.

Anglers can now be fined up to £2,500 if they use the lake for their sport.

Take part in our new e-lobby to safeguard the future of shooting in England, Scotland and Wales. The government is preparing to consult on restricting shotgun ownership by aligning parts of firearms licensing legislation. This would have huge impacts on the shooting community, the rural economy and conservation, without improving public safety. We need everyone who loves shooting and the countryside to take part.

Official figures released by the Office for National Statistics on 12 August show that the UK job market continues to weaken. Unemployment remains at a four-year high of 4.7% for the three months to June, whereas payroll numbers have fallen in ten of the last twelve months. Job vacancies have slumped for the 37th consecutive month, falling to the lowest level since April 2021 at 718,000. 

The Welsh Government has responded to its consultation, Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits, and has concluded that no legislation is required for animal exhibits.

The Countryside Alliance has lobbied for several years against proposals which could have seen hound parades, gun dog displays and other animal related activities require an individual licence from the local authority, with a hefty price tag attached and an inspection regime.

In a move to bolster grassroots support for hunting, the Countryside Alliance has launched a new membership scheme which will earn hunts £50 commission for every new eligible membership.

This initiative launched on 15 July, on the eve of the Festival of Hounds, and underlines the our enduring commitment to the future of lawful hunting activities and aims to support hunts across the country.

Fishing for Schools is a programme for 10–16-year-olds that uses fishing as a pathway to engage and inspire an enjoyment of learning and nature. 

Now in its 18th year, Fishing for Schools continues to make a difference in schools across the country – helping young people build confidence, learn new skills and connect with the natural world.

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