A recent study by the Right to Roam campaign has revealed that nearly 75% of riverbanks in England lack public access, prompting calls for urgent reforms to ensure people can enjoy the natural benefits of these vital waterways. As heatwaves become increasingly common, the need for accessible rivers has never been more pressing.
Urgent Call for Action
The findings from Right to Roam indicate that access to rivers is significantly restricted across the country, with the majority of the 89 river catchments surveyed showing no adjoining pathways or rights of way within 100 metres of the water. Lewis Winks, an environmental social scientist leading the research, stated, “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 campaigners are urging Angela Eagle, the newly appointed environment secretary, to initiate a long-awaited consultation on access rights, as promised in a green paper on access to nature. They are advocating for the establishment of a responsible right of access to both water and land in the upcoming King’s Speech.
The Current Landscape of River Access
The data highlights a stark reality: a staggering 71% of riverbanks along major rivers and their tributaries are inaccessible to the public. Alarmingly, 96% of rivers in England and Wales do not have a defined statutory right to access the water itself, meaning activities like swimming and paddling often face opposition from landowners. This lack of accessibility extends to many inland waters, including lakes and reservoirs, which are frequently deemed off limits.
Kate Rew, a representative from the Outdoor Swimming Society, expressed her vision for the future, stating, “In 20 years time, I want to see living rivers across England, with people free to reach them to swim, paddle, walk and spend time by the water.” Rew emphasised the reciprocal relationship between people and rivers, underscoring the need for communities to reconnect with these natural resources. She highlighted that “people rarely fight for places they’re excluded from, and right now our rivers need people to fight for them.”
Disparities Across the Regions
The report also uncovered significant regional disparities in river access. For instance, in the Severn Middle Shropshire catchment, a staggering 90% of riverbanks lack any right of access, while the New Forest catchment shows a comparatively lower figure of 49%. This inconsistency raises questions about equitable access to natural spaces across different regions.
Moreover, the traditional long-distance walking trails often fail to connect with the rivers they are named after. For example, the Severn Way diverges by over 800 metres in certain sections, while much of the Test Way, a 44-mile route, does not even follow the river itself. This disconnect underscores the need for better integration of public pathways with natural waterways.
Government Response
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that the government is committed to enhancing public access to nature. They highlighted initiatives like the creation of nine new national river walks and the development of a coast-to-coast route in northern England, alongside the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path. However, critics argue that without concrete actions to improve river access, these commitments remain largely symbolic.
The ongoing debate over public access to rivers has gained traction as extreme weather conditions lead more families to seek out natural spaces for recreation and relief. While the demand for accessible waterways rises, safety concerns have also emerged, with rescue services warning individuals about the potential dangers of entering cold water.
Why it Matters
The restriction of access to England’s rivers poses significant implications for public health, community well-being, and environmental stewardship. As the climate crisis exacerbates the frequency of heatwaves, accessible waterways could provide essential relief and recreational opportunities for communities. Advocating for better access to these natural resources not only promotes physical and mental health but also fosters a greater sense of responsibility towards preserving the environment. For the public to actively engage in the protection and restoration of rivers, they must first have the opportunity to connect with them.
