SC(3) - AIW30

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

What is your interest in the issue of access to inland waterways

Recreational user:
User for waterborne recreation (canoeing and kayaking)
Use in the course of education to children and adults. Canoeing, Kayaking, Improvised Rafting, Swimming

Are you a member of an organisation related to your use of water?

Canoe Wales

Which stretch/es of water do you /use/?

North Wales Rivers and Lakes especially Dyfi, Mawddach, Dysyni, Tal y Llyn, Lyn Tegid (Bala) Nant y Moch, Llyn Clewedog, also Rivers Wye and Usk and their tributarys

Legal rights

Are you happy that your legal rights are clear and well defined?

No, other water users seem to think that canoeists do not have any rights.

Can you briefly outline your understanding of your legal rights over the stretch of water/s that you own/use/manage

If there is a legal right of way to the waters edge, I can access this body of water to paddle my craft.

Would you like to see any changes to your legal rights?

Yes

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

I would like clear and transparent legislation that permits all water users to get along harmoniously without unnecessary confrontations occurring.

Are you aware of any legislation that existis in other countries that could be used in Wales?

Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 provides a useful basis from which a unique Welsh model of legislation could be developed.

Voluntary agreements

Do you have any experience of voluntary agreements for access to the stretch of water/s you own/use/manage

Yes

If yes, please briefly outline the agreements that exist and your experience of how they operate.

River Wye, Builth Wells - Boughrood, access agreement in place. Anglers often shouted at paddlers despite the agreement.

Would you like to see any changes to the voluntary agreements?

Yes

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

I would like clear and transparent legislation that permits all water users to get along harmoniously without unnecessary confrontations occurring.

Are you aware of any voluntary arrangements in other countries that could be used in Wales?

Please can you briefly outline what you think are the key issues for recreational access to inland water in Wales and how you would like to see them addressed.

At present, I believe that 90% of Wales’ waterways are closed to users such as canoeists. This is as a result of a tiny minority of people controlling access for a majority of potential users. The current system in extremely elitist with fishing rights being hugely expensive and exclusive. If access to rivers was opened to all, including Canoeists and anglers, there would be the potential of using one of our country’s finest resources to promote many healthy socially inclusive recreational activities.

Dave Grimes
Head of Centre
Ty’n y Berth Mountain Centres