SC(3) - AIW109

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

Questions for the access to inland waterways inquiry

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

Recreational user: other - Swimmer

• Land owner

• Recreational user:

• Fishing

• User for waterborne recreation (e.g. canoeing, rowing etc)

• Other(please specify)

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

If yes, which organisation/s?

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

I use the arfon ogwen and its tributaries. also lakes and reservoirs as i come accross them.

Legal rights

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

No

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

I dont know if i am breaking any rules/laws, i presume i am not.

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

Yes

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

I would like there to be a 'right to roam' on welsh waterways

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

I believe there is a 'right to roam' on scottish water ways.

Voluntary agreements

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

No.

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

No.

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.

• disturbance to areas of high conservation importance.

• access via private land.

• land owners not being responsible for incidents/accidents that occur, as fear of mitigation for this would prevent owners from allowing access.

Vivienne Archer