SC(3) - AIW128

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

Draft questions for the access to inland waterways inquiry.

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

I regularly take young peole from all over the United Kingdom either Gorge Walking, Open Canoeing or Kayaking on rivers in Wales. What rivers I can use is subject to flow levels and current access issues.

• Recreational user: I am a recreational user

• Fishing . Unusually I am also a keen fly fisherman

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

• Other(please specify) Gorge Walking

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

If yes, which organisation/s?

Yes the British Canoe Union.

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

I try to use stretches that are within close proximity to my home address but travel throughout Wales when necessary.

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

As I undersatnd it nobody owns the actual water you paddle on, thus if you are not causing damage you have a defacto right of passage which dates back to Norman times. Nb the Rev Douglas Caffyn has done an extensive study on the subject and there is indeed no point of law barring anyone from using waterways.

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

Yes we should have a clear system of use in this counrty like they do in France. I now actively encourage young people and schools from my authority to avoid Welsh rivers (thereby affecting economy) due to unnecessary complications that will arise.

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

In France it is very clear. You are allowed to use waterways between the hours of 0830 and 1800Hrs. You should also use maximum discretion towards other water users, be they fishermen or any other user.

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

Yes see above.

Voluntary agreements

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

On sections of the River Usk the Wyeand Uskfoundation have placed many signs. Implying that they are the legal body in charge. As an ex policeman I can assure you that they have No legal rights! The River Lugg in Herefordshire where I was previously an access officer had a very clear system of signs placed by the environment agency.

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

There has never been any issues on the Usk as the Enviornment Agency do have statute Powers.

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

Yes they should be scrapped as they do not work.

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

In excess of 60% of Environment Agency monies (Public Money) is spent on fishing but only 4% of rvers can be used in Britain. So the majority of the money is being used for a few people?

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

Scotland has a clear and very workable Voluntary code.

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.

The main issue is that Wales is losing vast amounts of potential revenue that could be gained via tourism. You only have to look at how busy Hay-on-Wye is due to river users there. It appears ridiculous on the face of it that Wales (South Wales in particular) has the lowest standard of physical health in Britain per head of population but the general public are not allowed to use one of their greatest assets. As far as I am aware there are only 2 reservoirs in Wales that one can use for recreation yet there are so many perfect locations for improving ones health and physical well-being in.

As a fly fisherman myself it appals me that I see fisherman throwing stones at Canoeists and swearing at them when young children are present. It does not paint a very positive picture for visitors.

Sean Taylor
Outdoor Education Advisor
Herefordshire Council