Aim: We're raising funds for a new Coulam boat on Kennick Reservoir to provide expert fly fishing tuition for both newcomers and existing members
Kennick Fly Fishers Association was formed in 1975 and has a membership of 120 people including several Angling Trust Level 2 coaches. The club works closely with The Angling Trust, Snowbee UK and South West Lakes Trust who along with the Club hold Tuition days at Kennick reservoir and other venues in the South West including Roadford, Burrator, Siblyback and Stithians.
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Sport England have agreed to award National Lottery Funding to Kennick Fly Fishers Association for 50% of the project.
This funding is conditional on that the campaign must raise half the amount.
This project has been developed and will be implemented by the Kennick Fly Fishers Association as we clearly see the positive experience and impact that our current courses achieve. Following the pandemic, we recognise an increased need for people, particularly those who are older, with long term health conditions and family carers to ensure that they focus on their own wellbeing and how learning to fly fish will deliver a range of positive benefits for them.
We already support a local charity called South West Fishing for Life (SWFFL ) that use Kennick reservoir each month. Fishing for Life provides free fly fishing sessions for people who have one thing in common - breast cancer. The gentle action of casting a fly fishing rod helps strengthen muscle tissue in the body whilst in recovery. The group that are involved find it relaxing, taking them away from stress of life and refreshing the soul in a wonderful atmosphere. They recently featured on the BBC Morning Live show to increase awareness of the groups work and achievements.
In addition, we have had referrals from the NHS who have prescribed fishing and they have now become full keen regular members of the club. However, we are unable to expand this further without the addition of another boat and are keen as an organisation for as many people to benefit as possible as we have seen the results for ourselves.
There are so many benefits of being outside in the open air and being around water, it helps to reduce stress, gives a powerful mental health boost to the system. Just being outside in the beautiful surroundings watching the wildlife makes for a calm atmosphere, reduce blood pressure and anxiety.
Increasing the number of boats at Kennick reservoir will give existing club members more available days to get out and enjoy the environment. We have competition days throughout the season and an extra boat would mean 2 extra anglers fishing on every session. We would also like to put on extra instruction courses / taster days between March and October.
We have coaches within the club who offer instruction on the whole process of learning to fish. Initial sessions take place on the banks of the reservoir, then the angler progresses on to the boats giving them more scope to explore the reservoir.
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There are other lakes in the area but no one currently runs courses for new anglers to learn how to fish from a boat. At Kennick we cover a large catchment area including Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth and by offering courses will increase membership and sustainability of the club thereby being able to continue encouraging new anglers from diverse backgrounds into the sport who hopefully will go on to join clubs, buy fishing tackle, meet new friends, develop skills and enjoy positive physical and mental benefits. We are a very inclusive, welcoming club and are excited to promote the benefits to a wider audience across the South West.
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There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 3rd August 2025 at 9:06am