All the latest updates on access in Wales.

Hazard on the upper Usk at Abercamlais on the Sennybridge to Aberbran section.

NRW have notified us that they will be running their annual fish trapping programme from mid-March into May. The site will be manned while trapping is carried out.

The trapping device (similar to the one in the image) will be tethered by cables stretching across the river and a portage will be required.

NRW will have signage in place and there is suitable portage points both upstream and downstream of the device

Where are we with Access?

Freedom to roam – an overview of the Access question in Wales. Rights for shared transparent and fair access to inland waterways is a key strategic objective for Canoe Wales.

On behalf of our membership and the broader paddling community in Wales, we have been making the case for increased access wherever possible. Our increasing membership has helped to develop our influence and enables us to advocate on behalf of a larger community. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and other Governmental priorities have slowed progress lately and we are very aware that little progress in this area means paddlers still face similar levels of conflict and challenge on our riverbanks.

The 2023 Big Paddle Clean-up!

This year we are hoping to further encourage access to blue spaces and we want more of you to enjoy the many benefits of being out on the water; but our waterways are in crisis from all kinds of pollution. Our campaign last year saw 35 clubs request free Litter Picking Kits, nearly 60km of rivers, banks and shore line being cleared and as much as 204 bags of rubbish were collected in Wales alone!

So it's clear that as paddlers, we can make a real difference to our blue spaces as we can access those hard to reach spots and remove litter and other rubbish from our waterways. Making it a better environment for everyone and it certainly helps kick those January blues by doing something good if you would like to start early.

Know more about the Environment.

Introducing our Environment and Sustainability Lead - Mike Raine!

Recently been appointed by Canoe Wales to help with Environmental and Sustainability Education.

I come to Canoe Wales having worked with Mountain Leaders and Mountaineering Instructors helping to increase their environmental knowledge, understanding and awareness.

Some of you may have come across me as the author of Nature of Snowdonia (Pesda Press 2020) or seen me about in the hills or in my canoe. 

There’s another elephant in the room… The ‘whataboutery’ of sustainability

Whatever you do, personally, to reduce your environmental impact there will be someone who comes along and says, “ah but, what about….” It could be your last flight, your vehicle, your house, your shoes, your diet, or even the rest of the world.

Wales is good at recycling and makes it easy!

We live in a place that uses more resources, faster, than the majority of other places on the planet.

How do we navigate these dilemmas?

Sustainability in Paddling

I suspect, by now, you have all converted to an electric vehicle, a timber framed, canvas clad, kayak and are wearing waxed cotton rather than oil based synthetics.

You are probably imagining yourself a pioneer, as "The Canoe Boys" - leading in this changing world, protecting the environment in which you play and care so much about.

You’ll be anxiously doing whatever you can to move 'Earth Overshoot Day' https://www.overshootday.org/ as far forward as possible.

Kingfishers on the Tryweryn

Dorlan in Welsh means hollow river bed and glas means blue, so Glas y Dorlan literally translates as Blue of the Riverbank. These tiny birds nest in sandy burrows along the riverbank, making their Welsh name somewhat fitting.

We are glad we see more kingfishers on the Tryweryn these days. However, given they are so sensitive to cold weather, a particularly harsh winter can seriously reduce their population, so we’ll not count our chicks quite yet! 

When does Spring officially begin? Easter Saturday, that's when! 

When does Spring officially begin? Easter Saturday, that's when! 

We’re past the spring equinox. Dydd Dewi Sant, St David's Day, came and went. This year, the lambs were late, the cold clung on, but the waiting is over! On Saturday, at Canolfan Tryweryn, the National Whitewater Centre, Spring really starts because the Tryweryn is releasing!

Saying goodbye to an old friend

We spend a significant amount of money each year on keeping the site safe. Regular tree inspections sometimes identify big bits of work that need doing.

Unfortunately, the large oak by Miss Davies' Bridge is one of the casualties of this winter. Although a fungus had spread all the way up the tree, as much of the trunk as possible will be left to provide habitat for nature.