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England has a wonderful network of inland and coastal waters that are amongst the best in Europe. Canoe England’s You, Your Canoe and the Environmnet leaflet provides guidance on good practice for using these waters in a responsible and appropriate manner. Canoeists should be able to enjoy their sport and recreation in harmony with the natural environment and share the resource with other water-users.

Read Canoe England’s You, Your Canoe and the Environment leaflet

To get the best canoeing experience, try to be considerate and respectful; treat others as you would wish to be treated, respect the freshwater and marine environment, follow safety recommendations and be seen as a welcomed visitor.

For information on where to canoe, including information on access arrangements that may be in place, contact the Canoe England Local River Advisor, Local Coastal Advisor, Regional Access Advisor or navigation authority. Find contact details for Canoe England’s Regional Contacts

Take responsibility for your actions
The outdoors is a fantastic place for sport and recreation, but it is also a natural environment which needs to be treated with respect. Be aware of:

• Information/ hazards for your chosen journey and ensure you are confident in the ability of your party to cope with the conditions expected.
• Take account of water, flows, levels and weather conditions.
• Leave details of your trip with a responsible person.
• Ensure your equipment is in good condition and use it correctly.
• It is recommended that you take advantage of the courses that the BCU have to offer on canoe skills and safety, which are available for all levels of ability.
• Be aware of health, water quality and other safety information*.
• Permission may be required to cross private land.
• It is your assessment of conditions/ factors whether to go on the water

Consideration for others
Canoeists will meet a variety of land and water users on their journeys. Common sense, polite behavior and conversations can help to promote a mutual understanding.

On Land

• Stay away from houses and private gardens.
• Change discreetly, using public facilities where possible.
• Drive sensibly at all times.
• Car Parking- do not obstruct roads or entrances to buildings or farm property.
• Ensure your kit does not cause an obstruction when unloading.
• Leave gates positioned and property as you find them.
• Avoid damage to fences and walls.

On Water

• Follow the general rules of navigation and any local bylaws. Obtain any necessary licenses.
• Respect and do not obstruct other water users.
• Keep a look out and be aware that larger vessels may not see you and are less maneuverable.
• In confined waters, keep to the edge of the deepwater navigation channel.
• Keep the numbers in your party consistent with safety, the nature of the stretch of river and the impact on your surroundings.
• When offering assistance to those in need, on or off the water, do not put yourself or fellow canoeists at risk
• Show consideration to organised bank side activities, and give way as required to on-water events.

Anglers

• Keep a look out for anglers whilst paddling. Anglers can be hard to spot on banks.
• Co-operate to avoid lines, nets and swims.
• If it is unclear where to pass lines or swims, then quietly attract the attention of the angler and agree a route to follow.
• When an angler is playing a fish from the bank or wading, stop some way off and await their acknowledgement to proceed.
• Do not linger in pools or swims occupied by an angler.

More information
www.canoewales.com; www.canoescotland.org; www.cani.org.uk

Notes
* For health and other safety information visit News

English Nature
The BCU and English Nature agree that there is unlikely to be any significant impact on or lasting disturbance to wildlife and the water environment from the passage of canoes. Please click here for the BCU/English Nature Memorandum of Understanding.

Water Quality Information
Water Quality information can be found from your local Area Environment Agency office or visit their website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/maps/ choose “your environment” and then “what’s in your back yard”.

BCU/English Nature Memorandum of Understanding

You, Your Canoe and the Environment