Petition · past parliament
Make English and Welsh waterways a public right of way
Closed
2,798 signatures
What the petition asks
Currently if you'd like to enjoy English and Welsh waterways you're likely to be accused of trespassing because the bed and banks of rivers and canals are privately owned, unlike Scotland/the rest of the world.
I believe our rivers should be open to all to enjoy.
I believe our rivers should be open to all to enjoy.
Info from www.canoe-england.org.uk:
Over 96% of river systems are without public access.
The legal situation is unfavorable for access.
Owners of riverbeds and banks have riparian property rights, but do not own the water.
Riparian owners can exercise control over access to inland waters where there is not a right of access.
The Govt has agendas for increasing access to coastlines, physical exercise, improving health and outdoor education.
Access to our rivers should be a right!
Over 96% of river systems are without public access.
The legal situation is unfavorable for access.
Owners of riverbeds and banks have riparian property rights, but do not own the water.
Riparian owners can exercise control over access to inland waters where there is not a right of access.
The Govt has agendas for increasing access to coastlines, physical exercise, improving health and outdoor education.
Access to our rivers should be a right!
Timeline
| 29 Feb 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 Aug 2016 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
2,798
Status
Closed
Opened
29 Feb 2016
Closed
29 Aug 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.