LAND USE POLICY CANOEING/BOATING AT DARTINGTON Introduction Canoeing and boating are activities enjoyed by over 2 million people in the UK each year. However, in England and Wales, canoeists and boating enthusiasts do not have an automatic right to launch on any river. Most inland waterways in England are privately owned and to canoe or sail on them without permission could constitute an act of trespass. A public right of navigation exists on just 4 per cent of navigable waterways, those with channels of 10 feet or wider. Where there is no public launching point or a public footpath to the water’s edge, it is necessary for the canoeist/boating enthusiast to get permission to cross private land to access the water. Dartington Policy Dartington welcomes canoeists on the stretch of the River Dart which borders the estate’s land; running from Staverton Bridge to the Totnes Weir. Boats must not be launched or landed as a start or finishing point on Dartington Hall Estate. The area provided at the end of the Park School Track (indicated on the attached plan) can only be used as a ‘stop off point’ within your journey. Any groups who wish to launch or land boats on land owned by the Dartington Hall Trust should contact the Property Department. Adventurous Outdoor Activities are permitted only under a Licence Agreement Licence Agreements will only be issued by Dartington Hall Trust Estate Services where adventurous outdoor activity providers are licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority. Dartington Code of Practice Canoeing is permitted between 1st October and 14th March, outside the fishing season on the water surrounding the Trust’s land. All litter and refuse should be disposed of responsibly in designated areas and the site left clean and tidy. The lighting of fires and barbeques is not permitted. There are no lifeguard services provided on the estate; however a lifebuoy has been situated next to the designated landing point. Its location can be seen on the access map attached. Justification Limit erosion along the river bank. Limit disturbance to wildlife and important breeding bird and wintering wildfowl areas. Page 1 of 3 Date of Issue: December 2014 Review Date: December 2016 LAND USE POLICY CANOEING/BOATING AT DARTINGTON Current Legislation The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 makes provisions for a coastal access corridor along much of the English coastline. Establishing the access corridor will take a number of years. For canoeists, the legislation will increasingly provide greater clarity of access to the land and shore from the sea. The 2011 Canoe England Charter sets out the views of Canoe England, concerning the legal situation and environmental use of the waterways of England. It also sets out principles and proposals for Government action on access to and along inland waters for canoeists and other interested parties. Policy Review Policy is to be reviewed every two years by the Estate Manager, unless new legislation is enforced, at which time an immediate review will be undertaken. Dartington reserves the right to modify and implement this policy at any time. Contacts Dartington Hall Trust Property Maintenance 01803 847036 Dartington Hall Trust Property Management 01803 847024 Copies of the Policy to be held by the following DHT departments: Property Maintenance Conservation Property Management Grounds and Gardens Security Tenant Farmer Cross reference to other Dartington documents Litter Policy Page 2 of 3 Date of Issue: December 2014 Review Date: December 2016 LAND USE POLICY CANOEING/BOATING AT DARTINGTON References British Canoe Union www.bcu.org.uk The River Access Campaign http://www.riversaccess.org/pages/pv.asp?p=rac2&fsize=0 Country Land and Business Association – River Access for Canoeists http://www.cla.org.uk/Policy_Work/River_Access_for_Canoeists///1003809.htm/ The Independent - Sunday, 22 October 2006, Why campaigners are unimpressed by new access rights to waterways. By Mark MacKenzie. http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/why-campaigners-are-unimpressed-by-new- access-rights-to-waterways-421180.html Access to Inland Waterways Bill – Not passed in hung parliament http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/052/2007052.pdf British Canoe Union (1991). Access and Environmental Policies. British Canoe Union, Nottingham. British Canoe Union (1991). Guidelines for River Clean-ups. British Canoe Union, Nottingham. Sport’s Council (undated). Angling and Canoeing Statement of Intent. Statement published by Canoe Access and Development Committee convened by the National Angler’s Council. The Sport’s Council, London. British Canoe Union (undated). Earning a Welcome. British Canoe Union, Nottingham. University of Brighton (2001). Water-based Sports and Recreation: The Facts. School of the Environment, University of Brighton. http://www.dartaccess.co.uk/ Page 3 of 3 Date of Issue: December 2014 Review Date: December 2016 .