Applications are open for rivers trusts, angling clubs, other conservation groups and government agencies to apply to the Wild Trout Trust Conservation Awards 2019, seeking to recognise and encourage excellence in wild trout habitat management and conservation. There are two Awards:
- Outstanding Habitat Improvement Project: we’ll consider practical, in-river projects of all sizes, looking for the very best one producing benefits for the river, its environs, wild trout and for people. Projects could be multiple-benefit, river restoration-type work or single elements such as a weir removal, delivered by government agencies, river or wildlife trusts, local angling clubs or a partnership team.
- Outstanding Contribution to Wild Trout Conservation: we’ll consider smaller-scale habitat improvement projects for this category but we’re also keen to hear of other work that’s good for wild trout. For example, how an angling club has changed the management of its fisheries and anglers, perhaps reducing or stopping stocking and encouraging catch-and-release.
There’s more information and a simple application form here with a deadline for applications of 31 July 2019. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by phone later in the summer, ahead of an Awards event in London on 16 October 2019.
We’re also looking for one person as our 2019 trout super-hero, someone who’s gone that bit further for wild trout conservation: the Wild Trout Hero (for professionals such as riverkeepers or fishery scientists) or the Bernard Venables Award winner for those working in a voluntary capacity. E‑mail your super-hero nomination to Shaun Leonard of WTT at director@wildtrout.org, before 31 July 2019.
