The NHS has announced that fly-fishing is one of the best sports to battle anxiety and depression, this World Mental Health Day.

As a widely under recognised sport, the beauty of fly-fishing in the great outdoors is a proven activity when self-prescribing to improve mental health and wellbeing alongside dancing and gardening.

In the UK, mental health issues represent the single largest cause of disability, with one in four adults suffering from at least one mental health illness each year

Over 2 million people are waiting for NHS mental health services, and since 2017 the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled.

Sportfish, owners of the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre located in the Berkshire countryside have become and supporter and provider for the Get Fishing for Wellbeing program.

This is mental health program started by the Angling Trust – the national fishing body.

The benefit of fly-fishing on mental health include exercise, mindfulness, connection and vitality.

Simon Tilbury, Group Head of Marketing at Sportfish and Farlows said: “Fly fishing is incredibly beneficial at making significant positive impacts on mental health and wellbeing. The simple act of concentration while being immersed in the beauty of the natural world makes such a world of change. Not only are you being present and enjoying the outdoors, but you have the opportunity to connect with new people, learn new skills and truly take on the sport as a meditative practise. Everyone should give it a go just once to see for themselves.”