The UK has a network of inland and coastal waters that are amongst the best in Europe. It is important that everyone using these for sport or recreation does so in an appropriate and considerate manner.
Currently, Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) produce the Waterside Code which is applicable to all user groups and how to behave around inland water. In the future CCW will be, with a group of paddling representatives, producing a specific canoeists code.
The current leaflet gives generic good practice advice and explains how best to enjoy being in, on and along the water by acting responsibly.
In general the code works around Respect, Protect and Enjoy, and is an extension of the Countryside Code for England and Wales. This closely parallels the Scottish Outdoor Access Code that is enshrined in the Scottish Land Reform Act.
A short film compliments the code and this can be viewed on
VimeoInvasive speciesInvasive species can be plant or animal and all can have a disastrous effect on the waterways of Wales.
The easy way for paddlers to play their part in containing any transfer is to:
Check your equipment and clothing for live organisms -
particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. If
you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found
them.
Dry all equipment and clothing - some species can live
for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water
elsewhere.
Posters can be downloaded from the links beneath: