The Countryside Alliance has praised the State of the Countryside 2006 Report* for recognizing the importance of angling and its contribution to the rural economy.

The report acknowledges angling as the nation’s favourite outdoor participation sport, estimating that as many as 2.5million people enjoyed freshwater fishing last year. It recognizes that it generates £2.75 billion annually and employs 20,000 people full and part-time.

Countryside Alliance Campaigns Director Robert Gray commented: “Angling is not only the most popular outdoor activity, but it is also the most accessible and inclusive. With obesity rates and anti-social behaviour dominating the headlines, it is encouraging to see a healthy activity recognised as such an integral part of the British countryside and rural economy.”