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In a stark revelation, a new report indicates that approximately 75% of riverbanks across England remain inaccessible to the public, sparking calls for a significant overhaul in the country’s approach to waterway access. As extreme heat becomes a recurrent issue, advocates argue that the government must act swiftly to grant the public the right to access and enjoy these vital natural resources.
A Call for Change in Access Rights
The Right to Roam campaign has released data highlighting that the majority of riverbanks, particularly in the 89 river catchments studied, are off-limits to the public. From the scenic banks of Cornwall in the south to the northern reaches of the Tweed, the findings reveal a troubling trend: a staggering 71% of riverbanks along major waterways lack any adjoining access or rights of way within a mere 100 metres of the water.
Lewis Winks, an environmental social scientist leading the research at Right to Roam, emphasised the importance of access to these waterways. “Access to rivers should be a basic right, yet the vast majority remain off limits. As we continue to experience extreme heat, it’s vital the public are able to draw from the benefits that water brings,” he stated.
Government Response and Future Initiatives
The campaigners have directed their appeals to Angela Eagle, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, urging her to initiate a long-promised consultation regarding water access. This consultation is part of a broader green paper focused on access to nature, with advocates hoping it will lead to the introduction of a right to responsible access to both land and water in the next King’s Speech.
Despite previous commitments from Keir Starmer’s government to create nine new national river walks, critics like Winks have pointed out that the initial project along the River Mersey has failed to deliver any new access points. With heatwaves intensifying, the issue of accessible swimming and recreation areas has become increasingly pressing, particularly as families and youths seek refuge from soaring temperatures.
Disparities in River Access
The data revealed significant regional differences in river access. For instance, in the Severn Middle Shropshire catchment, an alarming 90% of riverbanks are devoid of any public access rights. By contrast, the New Forest catchment offers slightly better prospects, with 49% of its riverbank accessible.
This lack of access is so prevalent that many designated long-distance walking routes are ironically named after rivers they do not properly follow. The Severn Way, for example, diverges more than 800 metres from the river in some sections, while much of the Test Way, a 44-mile route named after the iconic chalk stream, also fails to stay close to the water’s edge.
The Importance of Reconnecting with Nature
Kate Rew, a representative from the Outdoor Swimming Society, expressed her vision for the future: a time when rivers are alive with people swimming, paddling, and enjoying nature. “Being part of the natural world makes us healthier, happier, and more alive,” she remarked. “But this is not only about what rivers can give us. We need to give rivers back some of the life we’ve taken out.”
As record-breaking temperatures drive more people towards water for relief, the safety of these activities becomes paramount. Rescue services have issued warnings regarding the dangers associated with cold water swimming, underscoring the need for safe and accessible public spaces.
Why it Matters
The accessibility of England’s riverbanks is not merely a matter of leisure; it is a fundamental issue of public rights and environmental stewardship. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of heatwaves, the demand for safe, open access to natural water sources grows ever more urgent. Granting the public a right to access these spaces can foster a deeper connection with nature, promote physical well-being, and galvanise community efforts to restore and protect England’s precious waterways. The time for action is now, and the public must rally behind this cause to ensure that future generations can share in the benefits of our natural landscapes.
