Line Recycling Scheme scoops John Wilson Award

LAST year we announced the creation of the John Wilson Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Angling’, and in 2019 there can be no more worthy recipient of the inaugural gong than the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme.

Launched just 18 months ago, the ANLRS has gone from strength to strength, collecting a staggering five million metres of old fishing line, half of which has already been recycled into boards to be made into other products.

Tackle shops have been quick to embrace the scheme, with nearly 300 of them across Britain already having bins into which customers can deposit their old line. 

Back in March the ANLRS had a stand at the largest fishing show in Britain, The Big One Show at Farnborough, and its stall was inundated with anglers keen to get involved and keep the momentum going.

When told of the unanimous decision by Angling Times readers to make the ANLRS the first recipient of the new award, co-founder Viv Shears said: “It’s an incredible honour to receive an award named after John Wilson.

“All we really are is a group of passionate anglers who want the sport perceived in the right light.

“Besides Steve Tapp (the other co-founder) and me, there are loads of other volunteers and supporters behind the scenes making things happen. I must also thank Steve Carrie of The Maltings Organic Treatment Ltd and ReWorked, who are recycling the materials into new products.”

It’s not only the angling industry getting behind the ANLRS either, Viv revealed. “The RSPCA has now put reclycling bins at its wildlife centres, so we are beginning to move outside of angling, he said. “Several groups, including the Marine Conservation Society and Torbay Cleaner Coasts Initiative, that carry out beach cleans and similar activities, have made contact as we now have a viable route for these general plastics to be recycled properly.”

Never one to rest on his laurels, Viv is keen to keep furthering the cause, at home and abroad. He said: “We’re hoping to start working more closely with angling clubs and fisheries. There is lot more work still to be done.

“The initiative is already beginning to gain a presence in Europe, with Belgium and Ireland creating mirror image schemes.” 

Above all else perhaps, it is the many long hours of selfless, unpaid work that has been put into the scheme by passionate individuals that makes the ANLRS such a worthy winner of the John Wilson award. 

Viv said: “As the scheme grows, we are becoming increasingly aware of what we could do with more time. Steve and I work 15-20 hours a week on the ANLRS outside of our normal day jobs, and we have 10 fantastic volunteers helping us out too.

“Funding is our biggest problem, and this is becoming more noticeable as the scheme grows. We don’t have the money for storage yet, so the spare room of my house has to do for now – it probably holds around two million metres of line, and there are a few boxes behind the sofa too!” 

Viv also revealed the importance of the help he has received from within the industry.  

“Linear Fisheries has been a great sponsor for us, and Gardner tackle reps have collected line from shops which I can then pick up from its warehouse – it is all so important.

“Nash has also taken an interest and is keen to add the logo to its packaging, as well as providing prizes for competitions to help us raise funds.”

But why is recycling your old fishing line so important? Viv made clear that the main goal of the ANLRS is to make the process the norm among the angling community. 

He said: “Our primary aim is to protect the image of angling. With increasing focus falling on sports such as hunting and fishing, it’s so important that we have our own houses in order and show we are taking every step necessary to protect our environment.”