Code of Conduct
River safety and code of conduct is an important attribute to any river guide. It is intended to help every-one to enjoy the river without reducing the enjoyment of others, upsetting wildlife habitat or damaging the environment. Listed below are some of the most important things to consider when taking part in river activities. (based on the EA guidance for river users on the River Wye)
Care for wildlife
Salmon and trout lay their eggs in gravel between October and April. Trampling and launching canoes on gravels used by salmon may damage their eggs and young fry.
In May and June, two rare and protected species of migratory fish, Allis and Twaite shad, are present and breeding in fast flowing gravelly areas of the river. It is an offence to damage or destroy these spawning areas, so canoeists must avoid trampling or dragging canoes across these parts of the river during these months.
The River Severn is also an important habitat for birds and mammals including swifts, otters, swans and kingfishers. Keep clear of gravel shoals, banks and islands between 1 April and 31 July (particularly at dawn and dusk) to minimise disturbance of breeding birds and otters.
Some of our native species and habitats are facing a challenging future – but recreational water users including canoeists and anglers, can help protect them. Non-native species such as American cray-fish, Himalayan balsam and Giant hogweed can be unknowingly spread. Spores and parasites can survive in damp or wet conditions for 5 to 6 days on clothing and equipment such as canoes and fishing tackle. You can help prevent harm to our wildlife by ensuring all equipment used in other freshwater bodies is thoroughly dry or disinfected with a saline solution then dried before reusing on the River Severn. Follow the biosecurity code – Check, clean, dry.
General guidance for all river users
- Look after the river environment and avoid damaging banks and bankside vegetation, waterweed and gravel beds;
- Avoid dragging equipment over rock slabs and boulders;
- Do not disturb birds and other wildlife you find along the river. Avoid areas used by wintering wildlife, nesting birds and spawning fish in the appropriate season. Stop your activity if you are clearly disturbing wildlife;
- Protect native species and habitats – use dry or disinfected equipment if used in other freshwater bodies;
- Do not trespass on private banks or moorings;
- Never throw rubbish into the river or leave it on the banks;
- Park sensibly without causing obstruction;
- Get changed out of public view;
- Have special regard for beginners, as you would for learner drivers on the road;
- Hail to draw a person’s attention to a situation which might otherwise result in inconvenience, damage or collision. Please treat a hail as a friendly warning and not as an insult;
- Please be as quiet as possible – have respect for other river users and avoid spoiling the enjoyment of others.
- Be friendly and polite to local residents and try to avoid arguments;
- Follow the Countryside Code and have regard for others’ property.
Specific guidance for those out on the water in a boat
All boaters must use the river in a safe fashion and have appropriate safety equipment;
Whenever possible come ashore at recognised landing places;
Sponsors
The current phase of the project is funded by the Canoe Foundation and Sport England.
