Environment Agency - Home

From milk bottles to fishing platforms

In conjunction with the St Ives Fish Preservation and Angling Society (FPAS), we’ve recently made 14 new fishing platforms from recycled plastic milk bottles. Located on the River Great Ouse at Hemingford Meadow, the platforms will improve access for anglers in this area.

The FPAS has had fishing rights in this area for 128 years, but many of the best angling sections had become inaccessible because of land slippage, silting, erosion and reed growth. With the new platforms in place, this is no longer a problem as they’ve significantly increased the useable angling area alongside the meadow.

“We’re always looking for a ‘green’ approach and these new recycled plastic fishing platforms work really well,” said fisheries technical officer, Kye Jerrom. “We’ve also enjoyed working with St Ives FPAS – they have a highly regarded fishery that attracts anglers from across the country.”

Chris Geeson, secretary of the FPAS, said, “We’re extremely grateful for the support of the Environment Agency on this project. It shows our joint commitment to improving fishing facilities in the St Ives area and has already helped increase membership and income for the club.”

And the good news is, following the success of this joint venture, three more projects of a similar nature are already underway.