Club Notice Board 

If you want to tell other members anything - wants, sales, events, etc. etc. let me know ... mailto:ringwood.canoe@btinternet.com

Isle of Wight to the Severn Estuary by Mark Rainsley

Mark has finally finished his book on Sea kayaking our local shores. He launched it on 12^th April (less than a week after we returned from India and he hadn’t even unpacked!). This is available from Presda Press for £19.99. You should ALL get a copy – it is packed full of practical information on locations, tides, get-ins and get-outs, pubs, tea rooms, etc., it will also tell you 101 things that you don’t know about your local paddling area and it is beautifully presented. And, I know how much work Mark put into producing it.

As Presda says:-

The south-west coast of England is described in 50 great voyages, from the Isle of Wight to the Scilly Isles to the Severn Estuary.

As well as describing 50 great kayaking journeys, this book presents all the navigational and tidal information a sea kayaker needs on this magnificent section of coast. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker’s ‘pilot’ for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area.

A fascinating read and an inspirational book

Shameless plug by Graham B

Debating Access

I attended a Consultation meeting called by the Environment Agency on ‘Strategic planning of water-related sport & recreation’ held at Bovington 9^th May. This was one of four meetings held across the South West to discuss local and regional access issues. The Bovington meeting specifically targeted the Dorset, Wiltshire (Avon), Poole & Bournemouth area.

The Environment Agency has been requested by Defra to produce a Water-related Sport and Recreation Strategy for the South West of England.  The EA have commissioned University of Brighton to assist them.

Ringwood Canoe Club was not specifically invited to attend – but I had picked up on the meeting from UKRGB and applied for attendance as a ‘stakeholder’ organisation on the Avon. James Hinves of the BCU also attended to represent the regional/national perspective

There were about 20 organisations that attended, including Surfers, water skiers, horse riders, sailors and, of course, anglers.  The purpose of the workshops was to obtain a range of views and knowledge from across as wide a spectrum of water related recreational activities as possible.

It has to be said that Brighton Uni organised the day very well. Each organisation produced an A1 poster prior to the event stating the main issues. Participants were split into two groups and each group ran through four workshop sessions to discuss

The fact that the BCU and RCC both attended meant that canoeing interests could be represented in both groups. Hopefully, I will be in a position to attach Brighton Uni’s notes of the meeting that will be circulated to all participants.

The value of the exercise, no doubt, will be known in the fullness of time but the river access issues and case were strongly aired. It was staggering how many attendees at the meeting did not know that canoeists were unable to paddle the rivers! At least our attendance afforded the opportunity to educate the un-informed and, hopefully, bring new allies to the cause! 

I didn’t come away from the day too jaded – but neither did I come away fired up with enthusiasm and optimism!

Graham

The Avon Access Debate reaches TV

In February 2007 and two of our own (Dave Ratford and Peter Holgate) volunteered to paddle Matt Baker of the BBC down the few short stretches of the Avon where we have 'permission' to paddle. This was televised on 23rd February 'Inside Out' and included an interview with Douglas Caffyn explaining why the public right of navigation established in 1664 remains

For further details see here, you can also see a short version of the broadcast (that appeared on the regional News) linked from this site

Well done to Dave and Peter for volunteering to put our case

Old law may prove paddling rights

by Malcolm Prior
Inside Out, BBC South

Campaigners claim a 17th Century law could give them the right to paddle along one of the South's protected rivers.

Canoeists say landowners are barring them from stretches of the Avon in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset.

But now a university researcher has uncovered a 1664 statute that he claims gives people the right to get on the river wherever they want.

Local landowners are adamant there is more than enough access already.

The row over the river, which is a site of special scientific interest, has been brought to light by BBC South's Inside Out programme.

River access researcher the Reverend Douglas Caffyn told the programme he believed the "Act for making the River Avon navigable from Christchurch to the city of New Sarum", made under Charles II, was still relevant today.

The Law Society has confirmed that the act has never been repealed.

The Rev Caffyn said: "My view is that the earth was created by the lord and everyone should have the right to appreciate the beauty of the countryside.

"People should not be allowed to purchase a piece of land and exclude the general public all of the time. I think that is wrong."

He has written to landowners along the Avon explaining why he thinks people have a legal right to access the river.

"No-one has written back to me explaining to me why they think those reasons are invalid. I don't think they can," he said.

"Some things in life are fairly certain and the fact that there is a right of navigation on the Avon is one of them."

However, with the claim yet to be tested in court, landowners remain sceptical about its validity.

One landowner, Rae Borras, who owns a mile-long beat on the Avon, said of the Rev Caffyn's argument: "Anything can be argued - that's really what English law is about, precedent etcetera.

"It could well be that Edward II gave somebody a mining right somewhere in a village where now there are gardens but I wouldn't expect people to just remove their flowers and get on with mining."

Mr Borras argued that there was plenty of access for canoeists at the tidal mouths of the Avon and other nearby rivers.

He said: "There's Poole harbour, Chichester, Christchurch harbour - these are areas that are easily navigable. Why do they have to add to that which they can already use by coming up to here?"

Currently there is no blanket legislation giving people the right to navigate rivers in England and Wales in the way ramblers were given the right to roam the countryside.

Access Bill progresses to a 2nd Reading

24th January, 2007

Private Member’s ‘Public Access to Inland Waters’ Bill is a big hit and progresses to a second reading

The Private Member’s Bill – ‘Public Access to Inland Waters 2007’ – presented today by Dr Des Turner MP on behalf of the Rivers Access Campaign and general public, has successfully made it through to a second reading stage.

The MP for Brighton presented the Bill which outlines the need for a new legislation, similar to the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003, identifying canoeists and other water user’s right to access the waters, as well as codify their responsibilities.

The presentation for new legislation was powerfully convincing and the majority of MPs in Parliament voted for the Bill to go onto the second stage of reading.

Chief Executive, Paul Owen comments,

    "Reaching a second reading stage clearly signifies to Ministers that the current situation     
    seriously needs to be reviewed and that voluntary access agreements are simply not     
    sustainable, viable or acceptable. The case for new legislation is strong and supported not     
    only by the 1.5 million who paddle regularly, but also by all river users and members of the 
    public who think the law is archaic and should be brought up to date."

Opening up rivers would help the BCU achieve its sporting and recreational aims. Greater access would also enable us to assist in reaching the Government’s aims for outdoor educational, participation in physical activity and the health agenda.

The outline of the Bill presentation by Des Turner, MP for Brighton:

Why Legislation and why voluntary rivers access agreements do not work

Dr Tuner emphasised that voluntary access agreements do not work and that legislation is the only way forward for access to inland waters. Voluntary access agreements have had negligible impact on access to inland waters. From over 41,000 miles (66,000kms) of rivers in England and Wales without a public right of navigation, only 510 miles (812 kilometres) of mostly highly restricted access has been negotiated. Some agreements are for just a few days each year adding very little to the 2% of inland waterways with a public right of navigation. Ultimately, access is in the hands of riparian owners and if they refuse to engage in negotiation, there is no way a canoeist or others can make progress.

The Environment Agencies’ report into rivers access – ‘Putting pilot voluntary canoe access agreements in place’, launched on 3rd October 2006 achieved very little. In two years a meagre 20 miles of access have been gained with some of that being highly restrictive and complicated. (The study claimed that 72kms (45 miles) has been negotiated for paddlers, but in reality there was already agreement and acceptance for canoeing to take place on much of the area of study.)

The Countryside Right of Way legislation (CRoW), which gives some people the right to roam, has not included everyone. Canoeists, swimmers, non-powered watersports have not been given the right to roam right to go to, on, traverse or in waters which have no access agreement or public right of navigation. Even if you want to watch wildlife from a boat/canoe, put your hot feet in the water after a walk, or allow you children to wade in a river on a hot summer’s day you could be committing trespass if there is no access to or along that waterway. Despite lobbying, water was taken out of the CRoW Act at the eleventh hour and still there is no access to and along 98% of the rivers in England and Wales.

In essence England and Wales have a natural heritage which provides great opportunities for open-air recreation and education. Open-air recreation provides people with great benefits for their health and well-being and contributes to the good of society in many other ways.

The Public Access to Inland Waters Bill (2007) gives everyone (non-motorised users) statutory access rights to and along most inland waters. However, people will only have these rights if they exercise them responsibly. All rights of navigation will continue to exist and are unaffected by the Public Access to Inland Waters Bill (2007)

Legislation, such as this Bill, will codify responsible access to and along water. It protects the environment and activities of canoeists, anglers, other users and landowners who are all required to adhere an Access Code. One similar to that of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code would be developed to support the Bill.

The benefits of Canoe and Kayaking

A legal right of access to rivers would provide more recreational opportunities for a group of people who want to use the water for recreational and educational purposes including canoeists, swimmers, and boaters and members of the general public with knock-on benefits for public health. The recreational aspects of canoeing could coincide effectively with government’s "everyday sport" and Welsh Assembly Government’s "Climbing Higher Strategy" if only river users had more access.

Our sport and recreation, which is currently the most popular watersport in the UK, contributes to the Government’s targets on; health - it is a healthy outdoor activity which encourages a respect and passion for nature and the environment. It also contributes to the local and national economy.

Water related activities are dramatically on the increase and access would provide millions of people with the opportunity to recreate near their homes and on a variety of waters.

Medal Success

With the London 2012 Olympics on the not too distant horizon, England and Wales should have the same access to our waters as the rest of the World. Watersports contributed to 40% of the GB medal success in the Athens 2004 Olympics.

At the recent Youth Olympics held in Australia, our young talented Olympians of the future won an impressive five medals.

Support for the Campaign

The Campaign is supported by; the Inland Waterways Association, the canoeing community, many sporting and non sporting bodies, uniformed youth organisations and the thousands who think the law is archaic and needs to be clarified though new legislation.

A recent petition on calling for new legislation is on of the most popular on the Prime Minister’s petitions page, visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Canoeists/.

For more information on the campaign visit www.riversaccess.org

Ends

Ref 1.0 EDM 957

RIVER ACCESS FOR NON-POWERED CRAFT - 07.11.2005 - Grogan, John

That this House urges the Government to extend legislation on access to the countryside to allow canoeists and users of other non-powered craft the same access rights as those provided for walkers; acknowledges that the most successful Olympic canoeing nation, Germany, requires land owners to tolerate the use of non-powered craft on their waterways; and believes that with increased access to waterways, there will be greater participation in canoeing leading both to obvious health benefits for the nation and to increased chances of future Olympic success.

This received over 130 supporting names

Environment Agency (nonsense) Report 4th October 2006

On behalf of DEFRA the EA asked Brighton University to test and demonstrate the processes involved in negotiating voluntary agreements and to secure voluntary canoe access agreements on four rivers in England (Mersey, Teme, Waveney and Wear). These rivers had featured in an earlier feasibility study carried out by the Countryside Agency. The study concluded that additional access to rivers could be provided through voluntary arrangements, but that more advice and guidance was needed

To download a summary of the report  click here - complete and utter nonsense

Portsmouth Harbour: Navigation Restrictions for Small Boats

The entrance to Portsmouth Harbour is potentially hazardous because of the amount and type of shipping. It is also a high security area. The following regulations have been introduced, prohibiting canoeing in a large part of the harbour entrance and its approach. If paddling between Portsmouth Harbour and Hayling Island , they prevent taking a route close to the shore, so that the route will now entail paddling some distance out to sea then crossing the shipping lanes. Obviously this makes such a trip potentially more hazardous than it might have been in the past.

1) Small boats flying official flags or discs which are pilot boats, police launches, HM Customs and Excise craft, Her Majesty's vessels or Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service craft, and tugs engaged in towing operations or escorting a vessel under instruction from a pilot, may use the approach channel and the main navigable channels of the Harbour when the exercise of their duties requires it.

2) Subject to paragraph (1), small boats must: 

(a)  use the designated Small Boat Channel when entering or leaving the Harbour;

(b)  not loiter in the Small Boat Channel;

(c)   obey any directions in respect of traffic separation which the Queen's Harbour Master may from time to time issue by local or general notice to mariners  in respect of the entrance to the Swashway and the Inner Swashway; and

(d)   not, without the permission of the Queen's Harbour Master, cross the harbour between Ballast and Gunwharf Quays or the Town Camber.

 A small boat is classed as less than 20 metres.

The RED ZONE indicates the prohibited area for small boats

 Further guidance is available from www.qhmportsmouth.com

Justines "This is the Sea" Video

The club has purchased a copy of Justine's action sea kayaking video - please contact Graham if you wish to borrow it. (And if you have Graham's own DVD - return it!)

River Avon Access Development Plan

Read all 100 pages HERE and see what you think - I believe Barry's response sums it up! ...

"Thank you for supplying the report which I shall read with interest.

On my first glance through I note that, despite citing use of the river system by about 15000 anglers, compared with Ringwood and Salisbury canoe clubs' combined membership of about 70, the consultants recommend increasing access to anglers, particularly the young and disabled. You will appreciate that, as a canoeist, I see this as rather an obtuse conclusion.

In the latter part of the report, canoeing seems to have been forgotten, perhaps because of its minority status. That status is in part the result of a prohibitive access situation. The report does not seem to make clear the fact that access is denied on virtually the whole length of the Avon.

Perhaps you can persuade me of the value of continuing to be involved in this consultation process?"

Do we have a right of Navigation anyway?

A major new piece of work has been researched and published by the Rev Douglas Caffyn. Doug, a former Chairman of the Access Management Committee, has produced the paper based on a thesis submitted to the University of Kent for the degree of Master of Laws. This is a summary of the report:-

The preface to an Act of 1472 stated, “Whereas, by the laudable Statute of Magna Carta, among other things …. was made for the great Wealth of all this Land, in avoiding the Straitness of all Rivers, so that Ships and Boats might have in them their large and free Passage.”

The paper reviews the evidence that prior to 1830 there was a generally acted public right of navigation on all rivers which were physically navigable. The wording of River Navigation Acts are examined and are shown not to be inconsistent with this interpretation of the law.

In 1830 H.W. Woolwrych claimed that all non-tidal rivers are private unless a public right of navigation has been established by statute, long use or dedication. The errors in his text are examined and it is argued that subsequent commentators have followed his misconceptions. Four leading cases from the 19th and 20th centauries are then considered.

In the paper it is shown that the public right has not been lost but that there always has been, and there continues to be, a public right of navigation on all non-tidal rivers which are naturally physically navigable by small boats.

The BCU intend to use the paper as part of the case for greater access and are seeking further legal advice. The paper has already been given to DEFRA and the Environment Agency who are currently reviewing the paper with great interest.

For information on how to obtain copies of the paper please contact

Info@riversaccess.org

Woodmill - Message from Patrick

Hello,

I thought that it was time that we updated you with the current situation on the weir at Woodmill in Southampton .

2004 was incredibly frustrating for all of us here as we waited.......and waited for the engineers to move in and sort out the tidal weir at the back of the centre. Having initially intended to make a start early in the Autumn the work finally got done in December. Fortunately the low rainfall in December meant that the work went ahead relatively easily.

We are currently advising paddlers that the Weir is back in use but would advise extreme caution as nobody really knows how the wave will shape up at all the different combinations of river level and tide height. Initial impressions are that at the present river level (January 6) the weir is quite 'boily' at low tide. There appears to be quite a good surf wave early in the tidal cycle and again late in the cycle but right on low water it is more of a hole. At big river levels the hole is very big and scary and we would advise people to stay away. The concrete blocks either side of the weir act as a good gauge, when river flow covers them you probably don't want to be on the weir!

The Woodmill web site will be updated to advise the paddling community of this news. In the meantime we would be extremely grateful if you could post this updated info on the UK Rivers Guide website.

We would remind paddlers that the weir is tidal and works for around two hours either side of Low Water ( Southampton ). It has public access from downstream. Their is a public car park down the road from Woodmill and a limited amount of car parking space on hard standing next to Riverside Park where there is public access to the tidal River Itchen. Please DO NOT park in front of Woodmill Outdoor Centre's doors as access is required at all times. Also please do not park in Woodmill Outdoor Centre's own car park unless you are actually attending Woodmill Centre or Shop. There is no public access to the weir from upstream. The jetty, slipway and grounds at the back of the centre do not have public access.

It is likely that Rafts or canoes/kayaks from Woodmill will run the weir from upstream at various times, please remember that students from the centre may be in the early stages of learning to paddle on white water so please be patient with them and observe the kind of courtesy that you would hope to find on a river.

Please remember that Woodmill is a busy outdoor centre and that we are not here solely to answer the phone and answer questions about tide times!

Many thanks, Patrick

In the England and Wales the canoeist does not have an automatic right to launch on to any river. The legal situation is different from all other countries in the world, where canoeists are generally able to paddle large and small non-tidal rivers without seeking permission, as the beds of these rivers are not privately owned and not vested in riparian owners.

The Government commissioned report "Water-Based Sport and Recreation – the facts" published in December 2001 established:

Successive governments have encouraged canoeist to seek to negotiate access agreements. These have only achieved 812 kilometres of highly restricted access.

Canoeing is a clean physical activity enjoyed by over two million people each year causing no damage and minimal disturbance. Canoeing is also a sport, which delivers Olympic and international medals. Canoeing is a sport and recreational activity for all regardless of age or ability

hi,

I'm writing to let your club know about the release of the first ever action sea kayaking video. "This is the Sea" is shot in Russia , Greenland , California , the San Juan islands, Georgia , Florida , Seattle & Wales best tidal races. It stars some of the world's top sea paddlers including Nigel Foster, Nigel Dennis, Chris Duff, Greenland kayak Champion Malligiaq Padilla, and many more. It follows 2 women who took a novice Russian kayaker on a 650km expedition in remote Kamchatka , sharing beaches with brown bears, getting trashed in 6 foot surf and being arrested by soldiers on a tank. It shows what sea kayaking is all about - from beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife & overnight camping trips, to cutting edge expeditions & pitting your skills against intimidating tidal races.

The DVD and VHS is made by Justine Curgenven who is a professional camerawoman/ director with credits on BBC, Nat Geo & Sky. She films from the thick of the action, with a waterproof minicam system fixed onto her kayak, giving never-before-seen action shots. Watch the paddlers eyes bulge and hear them scream in excitement! You can see a preview on her website, www.cackletv.com.

 I might be a bit biassed so here are some other peoples' comments about the video;

 "Cackle TV has captured the both the essence of sea kayaking and its world-wide variety. Justine's camera takes you into the thick of the action and gives you the thrill of riding the waves". Chris Cunningham, Editor of Seakayaker magazine.

"Refreshingly motivated by fun! Who can resist a wild cackle in a sea kayak? Play on!", Nigel Foster.

"At last a film that shows the true thrills, freedom and fun of sea kayaking. You can feel the spray, taste the salt in the air. You'll actually feel like you’re in the cockpit with the kayaker ", Jason Smith, editor of Canoe & Kayak UK magazine.

"It blew my brains out…. inspirational". A happy viewer

"This is the Sea" is a 60 minutes long DVD or VHS. The DVD is available at a recommended retail price of £19.99, and the VHS is £18.99. You can buy it at www.cackletv.com, in good kayak stores (see www.cackletv.com for a list), or from magazines like Canoe & Kayak UK.

Please tell people in your club about the video if you think it might be of interest, or maybe the club would like to buy a copy?

Thanks,

all the best

Justine

But the plans don't stop there. The women are offering local people work and conservation opportunities. They intend to transport 6 kayaks and kayaking equipment from Wales to Kamchatka. Over 2 years, they've collaborated with a local eco-tourism company and recruited 6 young Russians who they will train to become kayaking guides. This will be a major boost to a struggling economy, helping a small local business to develop in a way which preserves the natural beauty and culture of Kamchatka.

An hour long programme on the National Geographic Channel is planned but for now more details are available at http://www.cackletv.com/

A new canoe store has opened at 4 Stepnell Reach, 541 Blandford Road, Hamworthy, Poole www.bournemouthcanoes.co.uk and 01202 625256

"All BCU and club members get 5% on everything. New kayaks and canoes get 10% of the boats value in goods. We also offer periodic specials open to all. Active level 2 & 3 coaches can expect 10% off everything. We are also competative on club purchases" Bob Dyer 

Action on access.

The BCU writes ...

We would like Canoeists in every constituency in England and Wales to lobby their MP. If you are prepared to do this and to do it in the immediate future and would like further lobbying and background information please contact Ginnie Hannah or Chris. Hawkesworth at the BCU office. Telephone 0115 982 1100. Email :- access@bcu.org.uk

East Mills: Bad News

You are probably all aware that I have been trying to negotiate access to the weir at East Mills, Fordingbridge for over a year.

The Environment Agency, who own a depot there, agreed to allow us access and parking - but only providing we could get agreement from the new owners of the Mill.

It took a while to track down the owner, Peter Derber, who lives in London and has yet to take up residence at the mill, but after a lengthy search I managed to talk with his wife earlier this year

I finally managed to contact Peter Derber himself in June 2000 and he has adamantly refused to entertain any notion of access for canoeists - for fear that it might 'disturb his peace and tranquility' He also asked me to tell other canoeists!! (some other paddlers stumbled across the weir a few months

There is not a lot more that I can do -  a disappointing outcome.