Wild Fishing Wales

Find out more about this exciting EU project to boost the Welsh economy.


Angling and the Welsh economy

Recent surveys have shown that angling is a major contributor to the Welsh economy. A recently approved European Union (EU) project is set to make it more so.    

In 1999 it was estimated that each year coarse, game and sea anglers spent around £72m in Wales, but that there was scope for growth. Since then, with the Welsh Assembly Government, we have invested considerable funds to help improve, sustain and market Welsh fisheries.


Most notable has been the Fishing Wales marketing programme, which aims to bring more visiting anglers to Wales. Estimates of angler spend from two recent surveys seem to indicate that this funding has paid dividends.

How much do anglers spend in Wales?

A survey of inland angling activity in 2005 showed that fresh water anglers in Wales made an estimated 1.7 million fishing trips and spent £74m. Estimates show a similar amount spent by sea anglers, making a total spend of  over £148m each year. More encouraging is that £63.8m of this money stays in Wales, supporting more than 1,500 local jobs.

Continued investment

The great news is that a new EU funded project is going to continue this investment. Wild Fishing Wales will see £2.6m invested in improving access and habitat at river and still water fisheries, giving anglers more access to wild fishing in Wales. The project will also provide training for angling guides, as well as promoting the guides and fisheries that join the project. 

Wild Fishing Wales is parted funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government and is part of the Countryside Council for Wales’ Community and Nature strategic project.

Breaking news

Round 4 – Access and Habitat Improvements

  • Round Four – EOI’s Closed
  • Round Four – PQQ’s Closed
  • Round Four  - Tenders Released by 11th February 2011
  • Round Four – Tender deadline as per tender document
  • Round four – Tenders close as per tender document

Angling Guiding Course Development and Delivery

  • Angling Guiding Course Development and Accreditation EOI’s Open until 11th February 2011
  • Angling Guiding Course Delivery EOI’s Open until 11th February 2011
  • Tender Documents to be released by end of February 2011
  • Tender Evaluation and Contract Awards by end of March 2011

Detailed information for anyone wanting to deliver an access and habitat improvement project

Do you want to know more?

More information and who to contact

For more information about the project and how you can get involved please e-mail Ben Wilson:

Project Manager Wild Fishing Wales

Procurement queries (in relation to tendering for the works) 

Technical Queries and Improvement project queries

  • - WFW Project Executive, Tel No.077 2139 0104

Marketing and Training Queries

  • - WFW Marketing and Training Officer, Tel No. 0134 144 0756