RADAS needs you!
Appeal from the chairman
Dear Members and Friends of Richmond and District Angling Society (RADAS),
As we look ahead to 2025, I am excited to announce an incredible opportunity for you to make a tangible difference to the health and sustainability of our beloved River Swale. RADAS is seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in tackling key projects and iniIaIves that are vital to preserving the natural beauty and quality of our fishery. One of our primary focuses this year is the eradicaIon of invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. These non-naIve plants pose significant threats to our local environment. Himalayan balsam, with its aggressive growth, displaces naIve flora, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Similarly, Japanese knotweed undermines riverbanks, disrupts ecosystems, and can even impact property and infrastructure. The unchecked spread of these species not only degrades the natural habitat but also diminishes the overall quality of the Swale fishery, which is so integral to our angling community. In 2024, RADAS, in partnership with Reeth Angling Club, successfully secured grant funding to commence a program targeIng the eradicaIon of Himalayan balsam within the Swale water catchment area. Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, this iniIaIve has already begun to show promising results, helping to restore balance to the ecosystem. Building on this success, we are now close to securing addiIonal funds to train volunteers in the safe and effecIve eradicaIon of Japanese knotweed. This training will equip parIcipants with the skills necessary to combat this invasive species, and we are acIvely seeking candidates who are eager to take on this challenge. Beyond these projects, RADAS is looking for volunteers to assist with various other key iniIaIves in 2025. Whether your passion lies in conservaIon, community engagement, or simply giving back to the river you love, there is a role for everyone. Together, we can protect and enhance the River Swale for generaIons to come. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to the Chairman or Secretary to express your interest. Your involvement will make a real difference in ensuring the long-term health of our environment and the quality of our fishing experiences. Let’s make 2025 a year of positive action and progress for RADAS and the River Swale!
Tight lines,
Ron Wood TD
Chairman,
Richmond and District Angling Society (RADAS)
There are lots of ways to get involved...
We have a range of projects that we need help with. How much time you put in is entirely up to you.
Volunteering is a way to expand or share your knowledge, meet other members and find out what is going on.
We have some great people and we would love you to join us.
Anglers Against Litter
Water Quality Monitoring
Anglers Against Litter
RADAS support the Angling Trust Anglers Against Litter campaign which is sponsored by Shimano. We run two events a year. Come and join us. You might win a Shimano cap!
Riverfly Monitoring
Water Quality Monitoring
Anglers Against Litter
We have teams out every month doing riverfly monitoring. An extra pair of hands is always welcome. You could even put your name down for a training course and get qualified or come and help just for fun.
Water Quality Monitoring
Water Quality Monitoring
Water Quality Monitoring
We are a member of the AT Water Quality Monitoring Network. We carry out testing on a monthly basis. It would be great to have a few more people to come and help. It's interesting and important work.
Operations Team (Ops)
Operations Team (Ops)
Water Quality Monitoring
The Ops Team carries out a wide range of important work including habitat improvements, clearing paths, repairing stiles and much more. It's good crack and everyone is welcome.
Junior Section
Operations Team (Ops)
Junior Section
We are keen to encourage young people to join the society and get involved in angling. Anyone under the age of seventeen can join as a junior member. We are currently looking at ways to help youngsters to take up the sport and to develop their skills.
Ladies Section
Operations Team (Ops)
Junior Section
The Society is keen to be more inclusive and we would particularly like to encourage more female participation. Please contact committee member Pat Bush to support this initiative and get involved.
Voluntary Bailiff Service
The Volunteer Bailiff Service (VBS) works with the police and the EA to help prevent illegal fishing. Full training and uniform is provided. We would like more RADAS members to sign up in order to deter poachers. If interested contact Ron Wood or Kev Woodcock for more information.
Events Team
We will be running a number of events throughout the year and would appreciate assistance. There is no requirement to be involved in planning but turning up on the day to help out would be hugely appreciated. There are always plenty of things that need to be done.
Committee
Committee
The committee exists to manage the society in the interests of the members. Anyone who is prepared to accept responsibility and play an active role is welcome to apply. We are fortunate to have a friendly and dedicated team of hard working people all doing a great job.
If interested, contact the Secretary.