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Update on launching ban from Glasbury Bont (River Wye)

Canoe Wales • May 25, 2021

Updated 25 May 2021:

In response to concern regarding the two issues at play in Glasbury:

Powys County Council has closed their launch site: they are obliged by legislation to carry out an assessment and that must prove that launching has no effect of the features of the SSSI/SAC at the launch site or further downstream. Unfortunately, this situation was going to arise at some time, it should have been last September when the previous consent expired. Their view is that they cannot allow launching until the assessment has been carried out. Canoe Wales had met with Powys CC as we felt that the advice given was directed only at commercial operators who were officially permitted by the council to launch from the site. Powys sought further clarification on our point raised and it has been concluded that all launching is subject to a temporary ban, not just commercial.
The Voluntary Access Agreement (VAA) shown on the Wye Usk Foundation (WUF) website: Canoe Wales does not agree with this VAA and does not endorse it in any way shape or form. We were party to meetings last year when a change of arrangement was suggested but none of the representatives of recreational, educational or guided paddling groups accepted the proposed changes. We were not aware of this latest version until very recently.

Moving forward:

The Canoe Wales Waterways & Environment Committee has met recently to discuss the launch ban and debate the best next steps for Canoe Wales to take. We agreed to meet with Powys CC and other affected parties to help wherever we can so this process can conclude as quickly as possible.

We need to consider what conditions may be put in place before paddling can resume. Conditions imposed will possibly include river levels, numbers of boats, education, identification and timing. The biggest issue is likely to be around water levels, providing evidence that paddling in low water conditions does not create damage is going to be critical. We all know that the damage caused by paddling in low water can be minimal compared to natural events, but this needs to be evidenced.

Therefore, this issue has pointed to the fact that we need more academic evidence to support our case so we will be looking to instigate research projects going forward and collect more evidence relating to the condition of popular launching sites over time.

The VAA, WUF are aware that we do not and never have endorsed the VAA that is in place. We have alerted our members to the existence of this VAA and left it entirely up to the individual to make a decision to paddle or not. We have been in contact with WUF about this latest version and are awaiting their response.

Original Update: 20 May 2021

Canoe Wales, along with other stakeholders, has been in continued communication with Powys County Council with regard to the Glasbury Bont canoe launching ban. Powys County Council has now released the National Resources Wales advice which has enabled us to further understand the implications and decision making process of the Council.

While it could be assumed that upon reading Natural Resources Wales' advice to the Council, this only relates to commercial companies and groups (and not recreational), it is important to note that this advice only relates to the SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest) designation – not SAC (Special Area of Conservation) designation. Powys County Council is required by legislation to carry out the assessment in relation to the SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and ban all launching and activity (both recreational and commercial) while this takes place.

Following our discussions and questions, the Professional Lead, Countryside Access and Recreation for Powys County Council has released the following statement:

Dear all,

Further to my email of 23^rd April, I am writing to update you about canoe launching at Upper Glas-y-Bont common. First, Natural Resources Wales have confirmed that we are able to share the advice document that they provided, as it may assist you in understanding the next steps. It is attached, with some information redacted for data protection reasons.

There have been questions about whether this advice relates to all canoe launching, or only to commercial operators; I have clarified this with Natural Resources Wales and the situation is as follows.

"To allow canoe launching from Upper Glas-y-Bont, we must satisfy the environmental and legislative requirements for both the designation as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and as an SAC (Special Area of Conservation.) As the advice was issued under section 28I of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, it is specific to the SSSI. When it comes to the Habitat Regulations Assessment, Natural Resources Wales have clarified that whilst their section 28I advice can be used to inform that process, it is for the Council look at the mitigation that can be put in place to determine no adverse impact on the SAC. As such, all types of canoe use – individual, educational, not for profit / charitable and commercial use - need to be considered as part of the Habitat Regulations Assessment. As stated in the Natural Resources Wales advice, we must carry out the Habitat Regulations Assessment before any canoe launching recommences."

Despite this not being the outcome we had hoped for, we will continue to work with the council to collect evidence and ideas that will help inform the assessment that they must carry out.

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