A groundbreaking angling programme has been developed in the borough to put fun back into learning and provide local students with valuable skills.

The Merton Turnaround Project and Junior Course Angling UK are piloting angling education at Malmesbury Primary School in Morden.

The weekly programme will involve sessions on angling in the wider environment during lesson time plus two day trips to test out their new skills. If successful, it is hoped the project will also be piloted in a secondary school.

Classroom based sessions will involve everything from environment awareness to river and lake tactics for various species. Representatives from The Environment Agency and respected anglers will talk to students who will each receive a pack containing a diary, notepad and pole float holder.

Councillor Linda Kirby, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Quality, said:

“As Merton is one of the greenest boroughs, it makes sense to use the natural resources we have to engage our young people and give them a new focus on a different disciplined activity.

“Hopefully now the programme is underway, we can encourage young people to participate in the Saturday angling programme run at Cannon Hill Lake.”

Malmesbury Head Marian Pretlove said the school was excited about participating in the programme:

“The aim is to capture the imagination and motivation of students finding school difficult, leading to an improvement in skills such as team building and literacy and numeracy skills.”

The Merton Turnaround Project helps children aged 8-13 receive services at an early stage to prevent them becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or offending activities.

Since its launch in May, referrals for the project have already exceeded expectations.

ENDS