Anglers are being urged to complete a unique survey as part of a national research programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund, which is collecting information about the social and community benefits of angling, H&C has learned.

The online questionnaire asks anglers questions about their participation in the sport, such as why they go fishing and for what? How much physical activity does their participation involve, are they members of an angling club and how do they feel about the future of the sport?

The aim of the questionnaire is to build a clear picture of how people in England and Scotland are involved in angling and the benefits individuals and communities receive from angling participation.

The online survey will take anglers just 15-minutes to complete and their involvement will provide vital information for this research, helping angling organisations and projects to make a compelling case for government and other support in the future.

The survey closes on 31 October 2009 but will be repeated again in 2010 and 2011. Anglers are also asked to leave details to take part in other aspects of the research.

The questionnaire is part of a major, three-year research programme that also looks at the benefits angling can bring to young people, how it can challenge social exclusion and develop youngsters’ confidence and educational achievement.

An additional component of the research considers the role of angling in developing rural communities. An in-depth study of the remote fishing area of Assynt in Sutherland, Scotland will explore how angling can provide benefits for residents and visitors.

Dr Adam Brown, Director of Substance, is leading the research. He said: “Around 3.9million people go fishing in the UK but not much is known about how angling benefits individuals, young people and local communities. We need anglers to take part in this survey so we can understand the influence angling has on them and the communities around them.”

The research, supported by the Angling Trust, the Environment Agency and a range of other angling organisations in the UK, is being undertaken by Substance, an independent, not-for-profit social research company. All information will be anonymised and no individual personal data will be disclosed.

To complete the online survey, visit www.anglingresearch.org.uk .