The Rotary Club of Wetherby & District recently received a wonderful note of thanks from a local angling club highlighting the lasting impact of a Rotary donation used to install a protective otter fence around their fishing ponds.

The new fence has proved invaluable in safeguarding the pond's fish population, giving them the chance to grow and thrive in a safe, peaceful environment. As a result, the fenced pond has become the primary location for the club’s matches, including its junior competitions.

Beyond competitive fishing, the club reports a encouraging surge in youth engagement. The junior angling section is growing steadily, with young people spending their weekends and summer holidays outdoors and immersed in nature. More senior members are also regularly bringing along nieces, nephews, and grandchildren to share the joy of the sport across generations.

While coaching sessions and special events for junior anglers are currently on a short temporary pause while the land's new farm owners settle in, day-to-day fishing at the ponds continues to flourish.

We are delighted to see our grant making such a positive, practical difference to local sport, youth development, and wildlife management in our community!