River access pledge ‘too small a step’

Campaigners Call for Greater Access to England’s Rivers

A campaign group known as Right to Roam is advocating for public access to all rivers in England, rather than the nine river walks promised by the British Government. The group plans to stage protests along various rivers across the country, with the intention of bringing attention to the issue of limited public access to these natural waterways.

Nadia Shaikh, a member of the Right to Roam campaign, emphasized the importance of rivers as vital components of communities, stating that they should be open to everyone for activities such as swimming, paddling, and walking in nature. However, many landowners have restricted public access to these areas, preventing people from enjoying these natural spaces.

Shaikh expressed concerns about the logistical challenges of implementing the government’s plan to create only nine new river walks, as it would require negotiating access agreements with numerous landowners. Instead, the campaign group is urging the government to pass new legislation that would grant the public a default right of responsible access to all rivers, river banks, and the wider countryside.

Challenges and Solutions

The campaigners argue that Labour’s proposal to establish nine new river walks, one in each region of England, would be a daunting task due to the sheer number of landowners that would need to be involved. Guy Shrubsole, another member of Right to Roam, criticized the limited scope of the government’s plan, suggesting that every community should have the right to access and care for their local river.

Shrubsole called for an end to the outdated practice of requiring landowner permission to visit rivers, advocating for a universal right of responsible access to the countryside. This approach, he believes, would enable everyone to enjoy and protect England’s rivers.

Upcoming Protests

The campaign group is organizing protests along several rivers in November, including the Dart in Devon, the River Wensum in Norfolk, the River Bollin in Cheshire, and the River Avon near Salisbury in Wiltshire. Additional actions will take place on the River Aire in West Yorkshire and the River Camel in Cornwall, with more locations to be confirmed.

In response to the campaign, an Environment Department spokesperson highlighted the government’s efforts to increase access to nature and the countryside, including the creation of new national river walks, national forests, and the nearing completion of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path.

About the Author

Rebecca Speare-Cole is a sustainability reporter for PA.