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Jeff Revill, owner of two fishing lakes at Broadstone Park, between Coleford in Gloucestershire and Monmouth in Wales, is urging Welsh fishermen to stay away. Because of a difference in lockdown relaxation laws, stricter stay-at-home rules remain in force in Wales but in England people can drive to other destinations for outdoor activities including fishing.

Mr Revill told BBC Gloucestershire: “I’ve had quite a number of calls but if I know they are travelling from Wales, I would say ‘no’.”

He added that the England-Wales border runs right through the centre of the park meaning two different laws could apply. 

He continued: “The fishing ponds are a few metres inside England and one of the banks is in Wales.

“Most of the time, it has a novelty to it. People come from Wales and England camping and some prefer to camp in their own country and some prefer to ‘go abroad’.”

Under the newly relaxed rules in England, anglers can fish either with members of their own household or with one other person from another household.

But in Wales, police still have the power to fine people for making non-essential journeys and could be fined for travelling for fishing.

Mr Revill added: “As soon as it was announced that you could fish, I was getting calls.

“But we’re being very, very strict and limiting how many people come fishing at any one time so it’s easy to keep good social distancing.

He added that it was up to anglers from Wales to decide whether to travel to Broadstone Park, but said he would “rather they didn’t, and keep to the instructions”.

The move to allow people to fish again has been welcomed by the group which represents anglers nationally.

Jamie Cook, Angling Trust Chief Executive, said: “The Angling Trust have brought all disciplines of angling together in presenting a blueprint for the safe resumption of recreational fishing which has led the way for the sporting sector.

“Fishing delivers huge benefits to physical health, mental wellbeing, active lifestyles and our economy.

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“Angling has shown the value of coming together as a community to speak coherently and professionally at the highest level with a single voice.

“I thank anglers for their patience and ask that we follow the Angling Trust guidance which is there to protect us all.”

Dr Graeme Storey, Environment Agency Acting Deputy Director for Fisheries and the Natural Environment, added: “We welcome the lifting of restrictions on recreational fishing.

“This decision recognises that fishing can be done safely while still adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“However, it is vital that when we do go fishing, we all do so responsibly and safely in order to continue playing our own part in protecting ourselves, others and key public services.

“In these challenging times responsible fishing provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and feel the range of benefits doing so can bring.

“If you are going fishing then you must have a valid fishing licence and adhere to fishing byelaws and fishery rules.”

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