I'm sure a number of you will have seen this already - it's certainly been on UKRGB, but this sort of thing needs as much promotion as possible.

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Roger L. Revell has set up a petition at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Canoeists/ calling for the Government to pass legislation to give canoeists and all other users of un-powered craft the free right to navigate all rivers and canals in England and Wales (similar to the right already enjoyed by cyclists to use bridleways, cycle tracks and roads). http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Canoeists/

Please have a look at it and consider adding your name as a signatory. The more names it can receive will show the Government once again how important access is to a large part of the population. People want to enjoy their natural heritage for many reasons. In this day and age the restrictive situation in England and Wales is very archaic and needs changing.

Remember that after signing the petition, you will receive an email from the Government website. Your name will not be added to the petition unless you respond to the Government website’s email.

What we are calling for is the type of legislation that is a version of the Scottish Land Reform Act 2003. This Act is applicable to manually powered craft. The Act codifies responsible access to land and water it protects the environment and activities of all canoeists, anglers, other users, and landowners who are all required to adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This Act gives rights but also responsibilities and covers all users of the outdoors. The Act has been successfully implemented in Scotland so why not else where.