DISABLED anglers can now fish for trout at a Devon reservoir, thanks to a new wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat.
The craft is operating at Burrator Reservoir after being supplied by The Wheelyboat Trust and funded by the Environment Agency.
Burrator Reservoir is looked after by South West Lakes Trust and is one of their 50 inland waters located across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset. As well as being the main source of drinking water for Plymouth it is also run as a trout fishery. Very poor access to the water’s edge meant that up until now the reservoir was almost completely inaccessible to disabled anglers. The Wheelyboat solves this problem and will provide disabled anglers with hassle-free and independent access to the fishing.
The Wheelyboat resembles a small landing craft with a bow door that lowers to form a ramp for roll-on, roll-off access. Once on board, the deck is level throughout and there is plenty of room for the disabled angler to operate the boat on their own or with the help of a companion.
The Wheelyboat is being looked after by South West Lakes Trust and the Burrator Fly Fishers club and is available for disabled anglers to hire on a ‘day ticket’ basis through the Burrator Fly Fishers.
