SC(3) - AIW03

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

Dear Sir/Madam

Firstly I would like to congratulate the Sustainability Committee for its decision on the 24th June to hold an inquiry into this matter.  I participate in a multitude of outdoor sports and activities and am particularly concerned by the lack of access to rivers that is currently available to kayakers and canoeists.  I have travelled to many countries and been able to enjoy unimpeded access to rivers in a way that allows all recreational users to enjoy natural resources.  I would reference Scotland, Norway, New Zealand, and the USA as being examples of countries where river access is available for all to enjoy.  The Welsh Assembly has the opportunity here to set a leadership example in the UK which would have significant visibility in many other countries, not least in England where access to inland whitewater rivers is extremely limited.  

Establishing open access to Wales' natural resources in the same way that ramblers are able enjoy the land would have significant benefits in terms of encouraging take up of the sport particularly at youth level, raise prominence of Wales on a national and global level, encourage the development of national teams and drive greater income from tourism for Wales' rural towns.  

Please let me know how I can be of help in supporting this discussion further.

Many thanks

Marc Musgrove