Community & Support
As a small independent angling club with access from the High Street, the Elms has always been a little unique. Since the Society started we have encouraged local members, and always tried to encourage community involvement where possible. All members contribute to the upkeep of the habitats around the lake by attending our working parties, some contribute many hundreds of hours over a typical year. If you are interested in helping support the Society in any way and would like to get involved in some of our projects please get in touch.
We have been supported and guided by a number of organisations which we also try and support where we can. We are members of the Angling Trust and the Colne Valley Fisheries Consultative, who have provided a great deal of support and assistance as have the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust the Environment Agency and the Chilterns Chalk Stream Project led by the Chilterns Conservation Board.
The Angling Trust is a not for profit organisation, representing anglers, fighting for fish, fishing and the environment.They are recognised by the Government as the National Governing Body for angling in England. A member-based organisation made up of anglers of all disciplines providing a united front to represent, grow and protect our sport. By becoming a member of the Angling Trust you are helping to protect the waterways you fish in and the fish which live within them, ensuring their health and protection for future generations. JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST TODAY
The Colne Valley Fisheries Consultative is a membership organisation open to local riparian owners, angling clubs, holders of fishing rights, private and commercial fishery managers, local government and environmental groups and anyone having an interest in aquatic habitats in the Colne Valley catchment.
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project is a partnership of statutory agencies, local authorities and voluntary bodies committed to conserving the chalk stream environment.The Chalk Streams Project aims to conserve and enhance all major chalk streams in the Chilterns AONB and to encourage enjoyment and understanding of them. We are supporting their work on the River Chess where we can.
It is thanks to the financial support from the Environment Agency and the Angling Trust that we have been able to complete a number of projects over the last couple of years. One of the most significant projects we have completed is the installation of Otter fencing to help protect the lake from the risk of predation from otters. This was a huge undertaking for a small angling club and would have been unthinkable without their support. In 2024 the Angling Trust produced a video on The Elms lake to promote their Angling Improvement Funding program. Here are links to their Information and video and blog. If you are involved in a fishery considering undertaking a similar project we would be happy to show you what we have done, just use the contact form to get in touch.
We also believe that it is important to encourage participation in our sport. We have always tried to maintain a family orientated feel to the club and members can fish with their children and partners as part of their membership. In the past we have also supported a local scouts group by opening up The Elms to them. Some members gave up their time and donated prizes and with support from Watford Angling Coaches the scouts completed their “Angling Badge”. The event went well, 8 scouts fished plus 3 leaders. They all caught and there was a prize of tackle for best total weight, most fish and best fish.
Thanks to the members that donated the prizes and gave their time to help out on the day.
If you are involved in a local organisation interested in angling and think we can help, please contact us.
Photos below along with feedback from their scout leader.
I’m writing on behalf of 1st Rickmansworth Scouts to pass on our gratitude for your time, effort and hospitality this afternoon.
Feedback from the Scouts has been excellent, everyone really enjoyed the event and learned a lot. I think that a few new anglers have been created today which is great for the future of the sport.
Chris, please pass on our thanks to the committee and members of the Elms for letting us fish your beautiful lake. We appreciate you closing the lake for us and are grateful to your team for all of their help and assistance today.
We were all impressed by the approach and effort put into preparing for the event today, from the quality equipment provided to the tips and advice dispensed all afternoon. Thank you also for the fantastic prizes for the kids, they were unexpected and gratefully received.
We would love to repeat the event in the future if you are happy to join up with us again.
So, many thanks from all of the Leaders, Scouts and keen anglers at 1st Ricky!
Best wishes
