Canoe England

Why is there a campaign?

In England and Wales, unlike elsewhere in the world, the public cannot assume there is an automatic right to have access to rivers.

People are incredulous when they are made aware of this situation. The campaign is to secure this right as a matter of public interest. In the UK, Scotland already enjoys that right.

Research has revealed that prior to 1830, it was generally accepted the public had a historical right of access to rivers. Legal opinions since have continued to diminish this position and created a lack of clarity for such a right.