Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

In answer to your questions regarding access to rivers in Wales:

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

I am an active fisherman, canoeist and small boat sailor.

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

Yes - British Canoe Union. Drascombe Association

Which stretch/es of water do you use?

Fishing and canoeing on the River Ribble, Northwest Canals, Lake District and reserviors. Inland waterways throughout the country.

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 use.

I have to pay for the right to fish for approved species.

There is no holder of such a right for navigation.

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

Yes. - They need to be clarified.

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

Most, if not all ancient pictures of inland waters - Rivers and lakes feature a boat, coracle or somesuch vessel. Waterways were shared between navigation and fishing in the past, I would like to see this sharing of waters reinstated.

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

Yes, Scotland - the Scottish Land Reform Bill
(N.B. Not seen as an issue in most of the civilised world - See Norway, Sweden, Germany.....)

Voluntary agreements

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

No

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

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

Yes.

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

They should only be used when short term exclusive access is required to stretches of water for sporting or maintenance purposes

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

Yes, Stanley to Thistlebrig, Scotland.

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.

I have been fishing, canoeing and boating for 40 yearsr forty years. I do not believe thet paddlers or anglers that the "Other Side" will negotiate in good faith and create local voluntary agreements - it is simply not happening now, and never will without primary legislation.

Prior to the introduction of the Land Reform Bill, many parties were concerned about what it's effects might be, since it's introduction all concerns have been shown to be unfounded and people from all walks of life are able to share and enjoy the Water and environment, responsibly and without conflict.

Regards,

Rob Bourn.