Congratulations! You’ve caught a Carp!

Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Well done on catching this fine specimen! Did you know carp are omnivorous, feeding on plants, algae, invertebrates and other fish; one of their favourite foods are freshwater mussels which they eat whole, including the shells! Carry on following the  trail to see what other fish you can Geo-Catch.

If you’d like to learn more about this amazing fish along with some fascinating facts, then follow the links below.

Facts –

• • Carp are amongst the longest living fish species in the country with fish over 60 years old being recorded!
  • The common carp is eaten as part of Christmas Dinner in parts of Europe, including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria.
  • Female carp can lay as many as 300,000 eggs in one season because predatory fish end up feeding on many of the eggs.
  • Common carp are the third most frequently introduced species worldwide, and their history as a farmed fish dates back to Roman times.

Have you ever noticed how peaceful the river is when walking by it?

Did you know that the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart and induce relaxation? Research has shown that our body and mind tend to have a personal and emotional relationship with water, also known as “Blue Mind”, effect. It is a state when our body and soul feel more relaxed when near water.

Want to know more about how being by nature and water can improve your health and well-being? Then follow this link.

MIND says, “Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical well-being”.

“Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.”

“Water is considered the elixir and source of life”.

Why time spent near water is the secret of happiness.

Have you ever wondered what anglers are doing?

Angling is a sport and there are many types. Anglers really care about the river and look after the environment that brings them hours of recreational time-out from stress. Anglers are generally conservationists at heart.

What does the Angling Trust say about it? The value of nature has never been more apparent. Fishing is a highly accessible outdoor sport. It is open to anyone and everyone, no matter their age, income level or fitness ability.

Fishing requires a lot of focus and awareness, having similarities with meditation. Studies have shown that fishing lowers your cortisol levels (the stress hormone) thanks to its involvement with water – an element often associated with lowering stress levels.

Read more about it in “Fishing for our Health” or follow the links to see how angling can improve your health and well being

Benefits of Angling for your health and well-being

“Get fishing and empty your Stress Bucket”

What fishing adventures will your local area take you on next?

Do you know the different types of angling on offer in your area? No matter where you are in the country, you are never far from an opportunity to cast a line! Fishing is divided in to three main categories of sea, river and lake fishing all offering completely different and wonderful species to target. From the predatory silver bass chasing bait fish at sea, the clever brown trout hiding in the riverbanks of your local river or the enormous hungry carp lurking in our lakes!

Click the photos below to find out more about each category.

Lake Fishing

Do you want to know a little bit more about fishing and what angling adventures await you in your local area or beyond then take a look at some of the useful links below?

Don’t forget to purchase your rod license before you get started!

Join Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their funny fishing journeys

Have you ever thought about volunteering to help improve rivers?

Unfortunately, some of our rivers are up against it and have been degraded due to certain human activities so require extra love and looking after: luckily, that is why we are here! If you want to help protect your local river then why not become a Citizen Science Investigator? Did you know that the Westcountry Rivers Trust hold regular volunteer days that you can get involved in, why not volunteer on one of our habitat improvement days or river litter picks?

This is a great way to meet new people who also care about rivers and get a good day’s graft in to recharge the soul!

Why not become a Citizen Science Investigations volunteer and help your local river