Suffolk Anglers And Bait Diggers In Talks With Conservation Groups - 14/06/2010

The Stour & Orwell Estuaries management group consists of anglers, bait diggers, conservationists, landowners and regulators.

It meets every two to three months to discuss bait digging on the Stour & Orwell Estuaries and is also in consultation with Dr Keith Weston, a marine biologist with Natural England and an advisor to the Government.

The group has been set up to take a proactive stance in managing the estuaries’ resources, including lugworm, king rag and harbour rag. The idea is to achieve reduced recreational activities on the foreshore, including cycling, dog walking, running and bait digging, to take the pressure off worms during their breeding cycle and help to ensure that overwintering birds get a chance to feed during harsh weather between November 1st and February 28th.

If the plans are implemented and prove to be successful, they could be used to protect other vulnerable areas. While the proposals have not been well received by some, it does show that anglers, bait diggers and conservationists can work together. The idea is not to ban digging or angling, but to protect the estuarine environment for the benefit of all concerned.