October 2010
SURVEY – ASSOCIATION OF INLAND NAVIGATION AUTHORITIES
The Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA) would like to find out more about your experience as a volunteer on the waterways. The survey will help them to gain your ideas on how they can improve the experience on waterways for you and others. The survey is part of a wider programme of research being undertaken by AINA throughout the UK and will help further develop the important role volunteering plays in our waterways.
Complete the survey- please note that the deadline has been extended to October 22nd 2010, click here.
July 2010
WATERWAYS FOR EVERYONE – PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY OF RESPONSES
A summary of the responses to the consultation on the proposal to update the Government strategy for the inland waterways of England and Wales may be found at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/environment.htm
Due to the change in Government there will not be a Waterways for Everyone document but hopefully they will take some of the ideas etc from the considered responses.
To read Canoe England’s response to this consultation please click
here.
Consultations: Environment Agency Strategy for Water Related Recreation – Enjoying Water
July 2010
The Environment Agency is encouraging people to have their say on the future of water sport and leisure development in London and the South East and the Midlands with the launch of public consultations for its Enjoying Water projects. Visit www.brighton.ac.uk/waterrecreation and comment on the findings and opinions already expressed. The consultation is open until 30 September 2010.
Click on Consultations & Reports for more about these plans in England.
Environment Agency’s new online service on river and sea levels.
July 2010
The new service at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/riverlevels allows people who live or work in an area at risk from flooding, or who use the river for boating or fishing.
to monitor the situation at over 1,700 river and costal locations across England and Wales. The data will complement personalised voice and text message alerts from our free flood warning service.
For more information click here.
Tyne Rivers Trust has assistance from Canoeists
July 2010
On a Friday evening in July Tyne Rivers Trust helped the Ebchester Sea Scouts to measure transects on the pool above the weir. There is interest in restoring the weir with the associated considerations for hydro-electric power and fish pass constructions. So, armed with ranging poles, rope, boats and plenty of enthusiasm the Sea Scouts collected the required data to calculate the amount of silt and water held back by the weir.
With the fine weather, the plane has been flying once more collecting digital imagery of the catchment to build up a comprehensive picture of the catchment
.
National Assembly for Wales- Inquiry into access to inland water in Wales
June 2010
The National Assembly for Wales Sustainablity Committee’s report was released on 16 June 2010 and is posted on the Committee’s web site at: http://www.assemblywales.org/cr-ld8089-e.pdf
The Sustainability Committee made thirteen recommendations to include the introduction of a licensing system for unpowered craft on inland waters and the setting up of voluntary access agreements by landowners.
Canoe England notes and concurs with the statement issued by Canoe Wales.
Canoe Wales Statement in relation to the National Assembly for Wales Sustainability Committee’s report on Access to Inland Water in Wales
Canoe Wales is concerned that the report has explored this issue as a Canoeing vs. Angling debate rather than a careful examination of the wider interest and presenting solutions for the public’s use of water space in the future.
When the matter was presented to the Petitions committee the matter was examined in the light of public access to inland water. They also recognised and differentiated between the strategic mechanisms for securing access to water from its management. This is seen to be global best practise.
Rather than bringing clarity over a complex issue the report raises further questions and problems, together with the promise of additional bureaucracy for all users of water who simply want to enjoy their chosen sport and recreation.
The recommendations do not address the issues in relation to public access to inland water and will not influence the public to be more responsible yet alone more active in outdoor based recreation and tourism.
In the light of the report Canoe Wales believes that nothing has changed and in these circumstances that the situation in reality will remain the same as when the Petition process was first commenced.
Canoe Wales remains committed to solving the issue in the interest of the public.
Canoe Wales has and will continue to provide technical expertise to resolve this matter.
Call for ‘right to roam’ to help recession-hit towns
June 2010
Call for ‘right to roam’ to help recession-hit towns June 2010 Call for ‘right to roam’ to help recession-hit towns June 2010 Call for ‘right to roam’ to help recession-hit towns June 2010
Creating new public spaces from disused railway lines and forgotten canals could help regenerate urban areas hit by the recession, a think tank says.
More information
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8705079.stm
The diverse sport of canoeing has something for everyone regardless of age or ability.
Health benefits
The recreational aspects of canoeing match the government’s desire to encourage a healthy lifestyle change through the Change 4 Life initiative. Canoeing provides the opportunity for those who want to get fit outdoors rather than using an indoor gym.
Revitalising communities
Canoeing in both urban and rural areas leads to opportunities for employment, more inclusive communities, health benefits and of course a wide range of leisure opportunities.
The full report can be found at http//www.demos.co.uk/publications/resilientplaces
