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Why Blue Space Matters …
Ahead of the relaunch of British Canoeing Access & Environment Charter at an event in Westminster , we asked the same question to five different people …
Why does blue space matter so much to you ?
We made five personal films . One featured The One Show reporter Miranda Krestovnikoff , who loves to paddle on the River Avon , near Bath .
Miranda , who is the vice president of The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB ), explained in her film :
“ The incredible thing about being on the water and paddling is you ’ re so unobtrusive , you can stop paddling and you can just use the flow and motion of the water to take you forwards .
“ The value of blue spaces to me is just immeasurable . When I ’ m on water I feel calmer , my head ’ s clearer , I feel so much more relaxed .
Suzie , who runs Peak Swims , said : “ When I ’ m having a really bad day , going and getting in some cold water , with greenery around me , with the nature , with the birds , the sound , the weather , it ’ s just like my perfect hug from nature .
“ There ’ s nothing quite like being completely and utterly immersed , to lift your mood and wash away all of your troubles .”
However , she said not having free access to water is a “ real problem ”.
“ I have to adjust my swims at the minute so that I know I ’ m not going to be confronted and have that horrible circumstance where I ’ m shouted at , given abuse , questioned , for doing something that I love and that enhances me so much .
“ Rivers , lakes are incredible habitats for wildlife and the margins , the edges are wonderful places for nesting birds . www . britishcanoeing . org . uk
“ Imagine if we ’ re denied access to that valuable resource ? Imagine how much poorer our lives will be if we have no connection with these wild , beautiful , wet spaces .”
Another of the films featured , not a paddler but , an open water swimmer named Suzie Wheway .
It is not only paddlers who would like increased access to water in England and Wales .
Outdoor swimmers have the same issues and are at risk of confrontation whenever they take to our rivers .
Suzie got into outdoor swimming following a bout of post-natal depression and became “ completely and utterly hooked ”.
“ I ’ ve come away from water thankfully a handful of times only in tears because I ’ ve been shouted out and told off and it is the most hideous experience .”
It is clear that blue spaces have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing .
James Ibbotson , a freestyle kayaker who represents Great Britain , said having easy access to water has a “ massive impact ” on his life .
James said he ’ s had mental health problems for a long time and like many people he struggled during the lockdown periods .