Who do you think needs to take the lead in making this change ?
I think it ’ s got to come from those prominent voices , including Natural England and British Canoeing . I am pleased to see how both these organisations recently promoted the Countryside Code and how this applies to us on the water . As paddlers , we need to make sure we use public rights of way and not just tramping over peoples ’ fields . We also need to know how to deal calmly with confrontational situations when they arise . Some landowners will never be happy , but if you know your legal rights and explain them , it may help you carry on along your route without getting into a fight .
At ground level , how can we help ?
Clubs , instructors and coaches can help by introducing the Countryside Code to individuals at the beginning of their paddling journey . This would promote a collective understanding of the use and protection of the environment around us .
Will there be any national campaigns that everyone can get involved in ?
Yes ! British Canoeing is launching the # BigPaddleCleanup on March 12th . This will run from Sunday , June 5th ( World Environment Day ) to June 12th . The aim is to highlight the current state of our inland and coastal waters , add pressure on our government and large organisations to curb continued pollution and strengthen regulations around single-use plastics , effluent releases etc . I am excited to be getting involved and promoting this at a local level here in the Lake District .
Do you think we will have the right to paddle all of our waterways in both England and Wales one day ?
I ’ m hopeful - Wales might well lead the way . They are doing lots with land access at the moment – for example , opening up footpaths to cyclists and horse riders . I predict they will go in the same direction as Scotland . I think there is hope for the future , it might take a few more years , but we should get there in the end .
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