Our mission: “Helping and Inspiring people to go canoeing”

FOR MORE ON ACCESS

www.riversaccess.org

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Access to Rivers Manifesto

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SUGGESTED PADDLES

River Cam

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Cliveden Reach

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River Crouch Estuary

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Exeter Canal and Exe Estuary

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River Ivel

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Kennet and Avon Canal

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River Mersey Canoe Trail

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River Great Ouse

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Oxford Circuit

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River Stort

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Teign Estuary

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River Thames

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Ullswater Canoe Trail

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Waterhead, Lake Windermere

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River Wear

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River Wharfe, Collingham

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River Wharf, Otley

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To do this canoeists in England and Wales need primary legislation to allow them to use the water.

The problem we face in England and Wales is that the public are denied access to and along 98% of rivers. This is situation is unique in the world. In Scotland there is a traditional right to roam for both land and water which has been enshrined in the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003.

Why:

It is currently assumed that the law dictates that whoever owns the land along the river bank (the riparian owner) also owns the property rights to the river bed.

If a river doesn’t have a public right of navigation and you haven’t got consent from the riparian owner, you’re committing trespass by paddling, swimming or even wading.

Which means:

These key assets, the natural facilities of our country are in the hands of third parties who have no obligation or plans to use them to develop access for the public.

We believe a legal right of access to rivers will:

Provide benefits for the public.
A legal right of access to rivers would provide more recreational opportunities for a whole group of people including canoeists, swimmers, boaters and gorge walkers with knock-on benefits for public health. The recreational aspects of canoeing could coincide effectively with government’s recently launched ‘everyday sport’ and Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Climbing Higher Strategy’ if only river users had more access. Legally protected access would provide clarity and certainty for those visiting our rivers.

Provide benefits for local communities.
In addition to increased opportunities for recreation, increased access to rivers would mean more money for rural communities. Research has shown that canoeing contributes about £750 million a year for the economy of England and Wales as well as supporting over 15,000 jobs.

Protect wildlife and the environment.
The canoe itself causes no pollution, and leaves no trace of its passing. Canoeing is not a threat to environmental conservation. The canoe is an ideal craft to access the water environment and observe wildlife. Paddling gives people a better understanding of the landscape, geology, habitats and wildlife around them. We believe that the more people use rivers the more they will want to protect it for future generations. Legislation will enshrine the rights and responsibilities of those wishing to enjoy the aquatic environment.

Help us make Britain Proud
British Canoeing has an outstanding record in the Olympic Games. Our competitors achieved three Olympic medals in Athens; we are looking for the same success in Beijing, but to alter the colour of one to ‘gold’. A legal right of access will directly help to improve the UK’s Olympic standing for 2012 and beyond, but we need access legislation now.

Canoeing has set out its stall for 2012. At London 2012 canoeing intends to achieve four Olympic medals including two gold.

Please, help us to deliver the following pledges:

We will increase participation in healthy recreation year on year by 1%.

We will develop active canoeing clubs & communities in every district of England and Wales.

We will increase the capacity of our workforce – coaches – volunteers – leaders to help increase participation & widen access to canoeing.

We will continue to develop the talent pathway through to Olympic success and remain in the top three canoeing nations in the world.

We will look to ensure the provision of good canoeing facilities within 20 minutes drive of where people live.

So here is the how!

We have grown participation every year by at least 3% for the past decade and are forecasted to grow by 6% over the next year.

People connect with our sport; our clubs change people’s lives! They bring adventure, responsibility, fun, social integration and responsibility.

Our volunteers make a huge difference and have a proven track record in developing individuals. We are proud that our volunteers have successfully assisted with local community safety schemes in some of the most deprived areas.

In 2005 alone our teams achieved 67 medals in international competition including two senior and two junior world champions.

Facilities – now that’s where you can help!
What is the factual position?
In 2000 The Government appointed Brighton University to produce a report titled ‘Water-Based Sport and Recreation: the facts’ this established that:

Approximate length of rivers over three metres wide: 65,000kms.

Length of these rivers, on which there is a public or a statutory right of navigation: 2,200kms.

On the basis of the report the public have access to less than 4% of the rivers in England and Wales.

Additionally, canoes and other small craft can use narrower waters, which often offer the most interesting and challenging water. Therefore the true length of navigable rivers is substantially greater and the percentage available substantially less, estimated at 2%

The report considered the eight following policy scenarios for addressing user wishes and the problematic issues associated with water-based sport and recreation:

Minor development of current planning policy and strategies.

Targeted purchase of services and revised funding arrangements.

Targeted acquisition of land and water rights.

Voluntary agreements.

Voluntary agreements with dedication.

Compulsory access orders.

A selective increase in statutory rights of navigation.

Statutory rights of navigation to all major rivers, canals and water bodies.

We believe that introducing primary legislation is the only sure way to deliver a sustainable solution. Canoeing does not need a piecemeal solution to the problems it faces now, and will face in the future without secured and enshrined access to water for manually propelled water craft.

England and Wales are the only countries in the world where such problems significantly exist.

Some thoughts from our government:
“Our aim is to increase participation in sport year on year. Central to this is having modern, high-quality facilities close to where people live. £1.5 billion is being invested in sports facilities in every community. By 2008 our aim is that almost everyone will be within 20 minutes of a good multi sports facility”
Labour Party Election Manifesto 2005

Conclusion:
We believe that canoeing does help to make England and Wales active and successful sporting nations.

Through our work with schools we help to improve educational standards.

Help in disadvantaged communities to give people hope.

Help improve health as a lifestyle recreation.

Make an increasing contribution to the economy.

We can help inspire people to go canoeing by bringing our natural facilities into use with a legal right of access to rivers.

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