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• Waterways Volunteers
  • Waterways Volunteer Role Description
• Environmental Good Practise
  • You Your Canoe and the Environment
  • Canoeing on the Sea
  • Estuaries I Marshes I Land masses
  • Shingle Shores and Dunes
  • Appreciating Marine Wildlife
  • Seeking Further Marine Wildlife Advice
  • Caring for the Marine environment Summary
• Environmental Water Related Issues
  • Drought Advice
  • Blue Green Algae advice
  • Pollution
• Environmental NonNative Species Information
  • Non native Crayfish
  • Salmon under threat
  • Stop The Spread
• Environmental Research legislation and Statements
  • Canoe England and English Nature Memorandum of Understanding
  • EA Report W266 Effects of canoeing on fish stocks and angling
  • Water Framework Directive
  • Marine Conservation Zones I MCZ
  • Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
• Consultations and Reports
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• FAQ

 

• The 2011 Charter sets out the views of Canoe England, concerning the legal situation and environmental use of the waterways of England. It also sets out our principles and proposals for Government action on access to and along inland waters for canoeists and other interested parties.


• Canoe England through the Rivers Access Campaign is continuing to call for clarity and certainty of access to and along all waterways whilst taking environmental matters into consideration.  Rights are sought through the restoration/recognition of historic rights or new primary legislation for non powered craft, to include swimmers etc, whilst recognising that not all waterways are suitable for powered craft.


• Canoe England activities bring significant benefits to the countryside, users, local communities and society in general.


• The Charter calls on political parties to develop an integrated package of measures that will further secure and enhance sustainable public use of the waterways. For over 50 years, Canoe England has tried to secure sustainable use of inland waterways in ways that do not threaten their natural beauty or wildlife. It has also lobbied for changes to, and implementation of, primary legislation in order to ensure permanent use of inland waterways as well as the English coastal waters.


• Portages and combined canoe/fish passes are increasingly being required by navigation authorities, private landowners, communities and other organisations to help the environmental management of the waterways. Canoe England has expertise in environmentally sensitive land management practices as they are land managers and owners, with responsibilities for Symonds Yat in the Wye Valley and other recreational land and water spaces. This includes the development of portages and combined canoe/fish passes.


• There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people canoeing and the sport remains the most popular watersport to date. Yet today, we continue to be faced with a lack of clarity and uncertainty about being able to use inland waters. Fewer than 4% of our rivers have undisputed public rights, and new challenges threaten the use of some of our publicly owned areas.


• As a traditional craft, the canoe is used throughout the world for exploring wilderness areas and quietly observing wildlife and flora. Canoeing is an environmentally benign activity and causes no damage or lasting impact. 


• Canoeing is one of the sports that can help the nation become healthier and fitter as its diversity offers something for everyone regardless of age, gender or ability.  It is an established, active recreation that promotes a healthy life style, and allows individuals to acquire life-long skills that contribute to their personal and social development. 


• After 75 years formal existence the sport suffers from lack of clarity and certainty to access our inland waterways. Over the last 60 years there have been several pieces of legislation which should have, if the powers had been enacted appropriately, provided the opportunity for greater use of the routes to and along inland and coastal waters. Still fewer than 4% of our rivers have undisputed public rights.


• Large sums of public money are invested in the waterways to improve them and where public money is used, including Grant in Aid, then the public should have a right of access/use. Public money should be used for public betterment. The principle and contribution of public funding for recreation has been recognised by DEFRA in the consultation document "Outdoors for All" May 2006 that included the statement:  “Most facilities for outdoor recreation are paid for to some extent by national and local taxpayers and we want to make sure that everyone has the same opportunities and that we reduce any barriers to enjoying what is on offer”.   

Waterways Charter