Managing fishing clubs isn’t just about fishing and catching fish. The club also invest a great deal of time managing the river for the benefit of our members and the public. We work closely with other groups including South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Clean River Kent and the Environment Agency to ensure we protect our river for the future.

We are pleased to be hosting a Litter Picking Day on the River Kent in association with the Environment Agency.

The event will take place on Saturday 16th May at 10am, with volunteers meeting at Watercrook Car Park before heading out to help clean up the riverside.

This is a great opportunity for members to give something back to the river, support the local environment, and help protect the waters we all enjoy. Litter picking days like this make a real difference, not only by removing rubbish from the riverbank, but also by bringing anglers, local communities, and environmental partners together with a shared purpose.

We would like to say a big thank you to the Environment Agency for the excellent work they do in planning and supporting these events with fishing clubs across the UK. Their involvement helps clubs organise safe, practical, and effective clean-up days that benefit rivers, wildlife, anglers, and the wider community.

Healthy rivers need active support, and fishing clubs have an important role to play. By taking part, members can help improve the River Kent for fish, wildlife, and everyone who uses and enjoys the area.

Event details:

Date: Saturday 16th May
Time: 10am
Meeting point: Watercrook Car Park

Hosted by: KWAA — Kent Westmorland Angling Association
In association with: Environment Agency

All members are encouraged to volunteer and join in. Please come along, lend a hand, and help us keep the River Kent clean, healthy, and enjoyable for the future.

Clean River. Strong Community. Better Future.

We are writing to share important advice for anglers on the River Kent and Killington Reservoir, and to let members know about our upcoming Himalayan Balsam Control Day on the River Kent, taking place on Saturday 27th June.

Timing and location will be announced at a later date.

Himalayan balsam remains a serious threat to our waters. As anglers, we are often among the first to spot problem areas, and we can all help reduce its spread by knowing what to look for and what action to take.

Why is Himalayan Balsam a problem?

Himalayan balsam is a non-native invasive plant. It:

• Grows from May to October

• Produces up to 800 seeds per plant

• Spreads seeds explosively, up to 2m

• Smothers native plants and reduces biodiversity

• Leaves bare banks in winter, causing erosion

This makes it a particular concern along riverbanks, where erosion can damage habitat and affect the health of the river.

How to identify it

Look out for:

• Leaves: jagged, in groups of three

• Stem: hollow, pinkish-red, brittle, and up to 2.5m tall

• Flowers: pink and slipper-shaped, usually June to October

• Seeds: explosive pods, usually July to October

Small outbreaks: 10 plants or fewer

Small outbreaks can sometimes be tackled safely, but only at the right stage.

For small outbreaks:

• Pull up the whole plant, including the root

• Best time: June to August, before seeding

• Snap the stem below the lowest node

• Leave plants on site to dry

• Check your boots, clothing, tackle, and gear for seeds

• Revisit the area regularly to monitor regrowth

Do not tackle plants if they are in seed or if seed pods are present.

Legal note: It is illegal to remove or transport Himalayan balsam. All plant material must be left on site.

Larger outbreaks

Please do not tackle large outbreaks alone. Report them instead:

KWAA: info@kentangling.co.uk

South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT): info@scrt.co.uk | 01539 530047

Do not attempt control of large outbreaks if plants are in seed.

Important warning

At any stage, whether the outbreak is small or large, do not control Himalayan balsam once seed pods are present or exploding.

Disturbing the plant at this stage will spread it further.

Instead:

• Leave it undisturbed

• Report it immediately to KWAA or SCRT

Himalayan Balsam Control Day – 27th June

KWAA will be hosting a Himalayan Balsam Control Day on the River Kent on 27th June.

This will be a practical opportunity for members to help protect the river, support ongoing conservation work, and continue the progress already made across the Kent catchment.

Timing and location will be announced shortly.

Working together, we’ve already reduced balsam across the Kent catchment. Let’s keep it that way.

Best regards,

KWAA

Kent Westmorland Angling Association