SC(3) - AIW47

Sustainability Committee

Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales

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

User for waterborne recreation - whitewater kayaking.

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

If yes, which organisation/s?

Manchester University Canoe Club.

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

River Tryweryn, (Whitewater Centre down to Bala) River Dee (Serpents tail to JJ's), River Conwy, River Ogwen, River Severn.

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 far as im aware, kayakers actually need permission to paddle on rivers from not only the land owner of the banks but also from the environmental agency? (Only learnt this fairly recently) Either way, there is almost no leagl rights to paddle a river which is ridiculous considering so many people do it. The only places I am aware are free is the Afon Tryweryn national whitewater centre, you have to pay £5 for the dee.

Would you like to see any changes to your legal rights

Definetly.

If yes, what changes would you like to see?

Introduced Right to Roam on welsh rivers or an agreement formed which allows kayakers to use the rivers without being victimised by landowners and fishermen.

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

In Scotland you can kayak almost anything so far as im aware (a right to roam). As for Europe, there are many agreements in place which allow paddlers on any rivers during daylight hours, from 9-6. Then the fisherman are allowed to use the water at other times. I hear slovenia has a particuarly advanced ruling around kayaking, not only signposting get ons/outs for rivers, but also tourist information centres readily providing information so paddlers clearly know the rules.

Voluntary agreements

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

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.

Allowing kayakers to use rivers, effectivly introducing a right to roam on all rivers just like scotland, thereby stopping any intimidation from landowners and fishermen. It seems that most people are happy to see kayakers or fishermen on rivers, it just needs to be recognised by law that they are common land. Most people are generally friendly, however there are the select few who seem to adore confrontation and threaten to ring the police or take matters into their own hands to stop you paddling rivers.

Ben Brisbourne