WHY THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND OFFERS SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THE SERIOUS ANGLER - 🐟🐠🐠

A report by our Fishing Correspondent 

Freshwater fishing is a popular pastime in the South West of England, offering anglers the chance to catch a variety of fish species in the region's beautiful rivers and lakes. With its stunning scenery and diverse aquatic habitats, the South West is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful day on the water.

One of the most popular freshwater fishing destinations in the South West is the River Exe. This majestic river flows from Exmoor through the heart of Devon and into the Exe Estuary, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities. The River Exe is home to a variety of fish species, including brown trout, salmon, grayling, and coarse fish such as roach, dace, and chub. The river Axe, running through the sublime Axe Valley, is another Devon river well worth exploring. In fact, our news group founder famously wrote his best known work, George Pulman's 'Book of the Axe' to highlight the charms of this exceptional stretch of water. Anglers can fish both these aforementioned rivers using a variety of methods, including fly fishing, bait fishing, and lure fishing.

Another popular freshwater fishing spot in the South West is the Chew Valley Lake, located in the picturesque Chew Valley in Somerset. The lake is well-known for its large trout and pike population, which attract anglers from all over the country. The lake is also home to other species such as perch, roach, and bream. Anglers can fish from the shore or from a boat, and there are several fishing platforms available for disabled anglers.

For those seeking another spot which can offer a memorable fishing experience, the River Tamar is a great destination. This tranquil river forms the border between Devon and Cornwall and provides anglers with the opportunity to catch brown trout and sea trout. The river is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to these popular fishing spots, the South West is also home to numerous other small streams and rivers, which can offer a unique fishing experience. These smaller waterways are often home to wild brown trout and can be fished using fly fishing or bait fishing.

However, it is important to note that fishing regulations vary depending on the location and species of fish being caught. Anglers should always consult local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on a fishing trip.

Overall, freshwater fishing in the South West offers anglers the chance to escape to some of the most beautiful and peaceful locations in the country while also enjoying the thrill of catching a variety of fish species. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, the South West has something to offer everyone.

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SOUTH WEST HERITAGE CENTRE ADDS NEWS WEEKLIES

South West Heritage Centre in Taunton has gratefully received a vast archive of carefully catalogued and restored local newspapers that have covered the surrounding areas for decades. 

Part time media and community lecturer Duncan Williams (pictured above) says: "Regional newspapers record life in local towns in a way that creates a valuable historic testimony of rural life. While national newspapers are more focus on forging opinion leader articles, the regional press chronicles, the often fascinating detail, of daily living."

Many of the titles are out out of print, which adds to their interest.

The Pulman's Weekly News series, which served the West Country, was first launched way back in 1857.

Crowdfunding bid launched to save axed weekly news series

A media and marketing director has launched a bid to revive a series of weekly newspapers which shut last week with the loss of around 20 jobs.

Duncan Williams, left, has started a crowdfunding campaign following the closure of the ‘View From’ series – which serve towns in Dorset, Devon and Somerset.

The series has ceased publication, resulting in around 20 redundancies, less than six months after the titles were bought by Truro City Football Club chairman Peter Masters in July last year.

The purchase followed his buyout of the Liskeard-based Sunday Independent earlier in 2017.

Duncan is a commercial development consultant with News Group Ltd, and runs Dorset-based marketing service the Poole Post.

He is aiming to raise £85,000 by 3 March to buy the ‘View From’ titles and take them into community ownership.

In a pitch to potential investors on his crowdfunding page, Duncan said: “This is very sad news indeed for Dorset and the south. Local newspapers are the voice of our communities. In this era of ‘fake news’, brands that have over a 100 years of reporting creditably should not be lost. We now have a whole county dominated by American owned media giant Newsquest.

“In addition to Dorset, View News faithfully covered stories in the counties of Somerset and Devon for many years. Highlighting local interest stories and helping to profile small businesses in these areas, View News and Pulman’s Weekly News are trusted and respected brands. Too good to lose.

“We are proposing new community ownership business model. And in doing so we aim to prove to the city banks, venture capitalists and advertising agencies that regional communities value their local media.

“It offers a chance for local people to have a real stake in and to share their views and voices as part of their own local media group.”

The newspapers affected by last week’s closures are the View From titles based in Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, and the Pulman’s Weekly News which is based in Axminster.

A spokesman for the Independent said last week: “Having acquired the titles out of administration in July of last year we agreed to continue publishing the loss-making titles for six months in a bid to give continued employment for the staff.

“But in the light of continued falling revenues, we have reluctantly decided that the titles are no longer sustainable.”

Report by David Sharman for Holdthefrontpage.co.uk