As heatwaves become more frequent, a new report reveals that nearly 75% of England’s riverbanks are inaccessible to the public, sparking calls for change from environmental campaigners. The Right to Roam initiative has highlighted the urgent need for improved access to waterways across the nation, emphasising the importance of rivers for public health and wellbeing.
Alarming Access Statistics
Recent findings from the Right to Roam campaign indicate that a staggering 71% of riverbanks along major rivers and their tributaries lack any adjoining access within 100 metres. This lack of public access spans 89 river catchments, from the southern reaches of Cornwall to the northern borders of Scotland. Lewis Winks, an environmental social scientist involved in the research, expressed concern, stating, “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.”
The report also highlights that a staggering 96% of rivers in England and Wales do not have a statutory right of access. This means that activities such as swimming or paddling often face challenges from landowners, leaving many inland waters, including lakes and reservoirs, effectively off-limits.
Campaigners Demand Government Action
In light of these findings, campaigners are urging the new Environment Secretary, Angela Eagle, to act swiftly. They are calling for the long-promised consultation on access to be launched as part of a green paper on access to nature. This would ideally pave the way for a formal right of responsible access to both water and land in upcoming governmental discussions.
Kate Rew, from the Outdoor Swimming Society, echoed these sentiments, envisioning a future where rivers are livelier and more accessible. “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.”
Regional Disparities in River Access
The report also uncovers significant regional disparities in river access across England. For instance, the Severn Middle Shropshire catchment shows that 90% of its riverbank is devoid of any access rights, while the New Forest catchment fares slightly better at 49%. This uneven availability of access not only affects recreational opportunities but also underscores a broader issue of environmental connection and stewardship.
Ironically, many established long-distance walking trails bear the names of rivers they do not closely follow. The Severn Way, for example, diverges as much as 800 metres from the river in certain sections. Such disconnection diminishes the potential for public engagement with these vital natural resources.
Government Response and Future Initiatives
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has stated its commitment to enhancing access to nature and the countryside, highlighting plans for nine new national river walks and a coast-to-coast route in northern England, alongside the extensive King Charles III England coast path. However, critics argue that these initiatives have yet to translate into tangible improvements in public river access.
As families and young people seek free and safe ways to cool off during record-breaking heatwaves, the need for accessible waterways becomes increasingly urgent. Rescue services have issued warnings about the dangers of entering cold water, further emphasising the importance of regulated and safe access points.
Why it Matters
The lack of public access to rivers poses significant implications for community health and environmental stewardship. As climate change brings more extreme weather conditions, reconnecting individuals with their local waterways is not just a matter of leisure; it is essential for fostering a culture of care for these vital ecosystems. Ensuring that all communities can enjoy and protect their rivers will not only enhance public wellbeing but also promote a collective responsibility to restore and sustain these natural resources for future generations.
