THE THORNY ISSUE OF ‘TOLERATED TRESPASS’
“We all have a common interest over pollution”
WASN’T Easter lovely? A few days off, improved weather, and loads of opportunities to get out and enjoy some sport. The banks were pretty busy and the fish played ball too, which was just what the doctor ordered.
Obviously, the rivers are out of bounds to anglers, but a walk along a few of my favourite club stretches showed I wasn’t the only one enjoying the river. The paddleboarders and kayakers were out in force and, as the weather warms up, their presence will increase.
It was no coincidence that there was a lively debate on a famous club’s social media page over Easter as they too are having issues with kayakers and paddleboarders. The Severn, the Broads, the Wye and Bristol Avon – many rivers have boat traffic that uses the waterways free of charge. In summer this can potentially interfere with the fishing, especially when the boarders fall in. Or does it?
It was interesting to read the anglers’ views on this debate. Some felt strongly that as we pay a rod licence fee we should have priority and potentially even propriety over the river. Others feel the rivers are there to be enjoyed by everyone, and that a polite nod and a wave solves many problems and avoids ill feeling.
The British Canoe Union is vehement that boat users can use rivers. The Angling Trust has fought tough battles with the BCU, arguing against unfettered access in the past. Opinion is split, but one thing’s for sure – the biggest threat to our waterways is pollution, and we all have a common interest here. With paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming all grabbing the headlines, is now the time to present a united front, or should we be defending our rights more vigorously?