Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

I am writing in response to your request for views regarding access to inland water in Wales.

What is my interest in the issue

Personal and professional. I am a keen recreational kayaker and have been for over 40 years. Professionally I have worked in the outdoors for over 30 years introducing young people and adults to a wide range of water and land based outdoor activities. Until recently I managed a local authority owned Outdoor Education centre in North Wales (for 10 years). I am now employed as an Outdoor Education Adviser for a consortium of four local authorities in South Wales.

Am I a member of an organisation related to my use of water.

I am a member of Canoe Wales (WCA), Chairman of the Outdoor Education Advisers Panel, Wales (representing every Local Authority in Wales) and a member of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres.

Which stretch/es of water do I use / legal rights

I paddle on canals, lakes, flat water and moving water rivers throughout the country, and on the tidal estuaries and open sea around Wales. I am not happy that my legal rights are clear and well defined.

My understanding is that currently, riparian owners who own the river banks and fishing rights can and do refuse access both across their land, and on the water which passes over their land.

On tidal waters I understand that I have a right to paddle unhindered.

I would like to see access for all water users with an agreed code of conduct to ensure that no one group can stop sensible access for others. In Scotland the law allows this.

In other countries there is no conflict between water users and in Europe and North America different water activities co exist without conflict. Access to water should be treated as a national resource. Right to roam legislation should be extended to water as well as to open country. The introduction of the right to roam legislation has not resulted in major problems on the hills as predicted buy the landowners lobby, and I’m sure that similar legislation for access to water would be just as successful.

Voluntary agreements.

Unfortunately voluntary agreements do not work. There is little incentive on the part of riparian owners to allow access to water whilst they can generate income from angling interests.

However reasonable canoeists have been there is a long history of failed voluntary access agreements.

In reality why should one group forbid others to use one of our countries finest resources.

Why should someone own the water that flows into, through and out of their land. What happens to it once it has passed by? Its not theirs.

Key issues.

The inland waters of Wales are some of our finest national resources. They should be freely accessible for all compatible recreational use.

We live in a society where obesity and lack of exercise are leading to increasing social and medical problems. Improved access to good quality recreational activities is vital.

From an educational standpoint, adventurous activities are now a statutory part of the National curriculum. Poor or inadequate access to much of our inland water seriously restricts opportunities for young people to be introduced to activities such as canoeing and kayaking. Whilst working in North Wales I was frustrated that many otherwise ideal stretches of navigable river such as the lower Glaslyn river were forbidden to canoeists, forcing most of the outdoor centres in the area to travel long distances to Llyn Padarn, the only free and easily accessible stretch of water suitable for novice paddlers.

Unlike team games which are often not pursued after leaving school, canoeing and kayaking can and are lifelong activities which can be pursued as an individual or by small groups or families. I know recreational paddlers who are still paddling into their 70s.

This enquiry is a perfect opportunity to sweep away anachronistic legislation which restricts access to some of our countries finest natural resources to a selfish few. In other countries there is no conflict between anglers and canoeists / kayakers, and no legal bar to all legitimate use of rivers and lakes.

I hope you will take this opportunity to ensure fair access for all.

David Evans