The River Avon

If Carlsberg Made Rivers ....

2011-09-21T07:43:00.000+01:00

I stumbled upon this gem yesterday :)

and, indeed, why not celebrate the River Avon

and its long history of navigation

The Tide has Gone out at Royalty Fisheries

2011-06-16T07:45:00.000+01:00

Paddling on the tidal stretches of the Avon has never been contested and a number of local canoe clubs and outdoor centres enjoy the quiet tranquil upper stretches of the tidal Avon on a regular basis. The tidal limit is clearly demarked on Ordnance Survey maps and lies three to four hundred meters above the A35 bridge at Christchurch. Indeed, up until very recently Royalty Fisheries used to have signage at this point marking the line at SZ 157933 (above). They even had a line strung across the river here at one point!

Southern Fisheries Ltd, a commercial organisation based in Tunbridge Wells has long leasehold interest on the entire Royalty Fisheries at Christchurch

This company seems to be waging a campaign against canoeists paddling on the Avon, both the tidal and non-tidal stretches. They seem to be playing an environmental card to safeguard their commercial interests claiming that canoeing causes damage to the SSSI, SAC and RAMSAR site. It appears that this action is independent of Natural England and that they have enlisted the police to evict canoeists from the river on two occasions in May 2011. I believe, during this time, others have received a number of threatening calls from someone attesting that no canoeing is to be permitted above the Priory at Christchurch (approximately 1 km downstream of the tidal limit)

Perhaps not coincidentally, The old sign (above) has been removed and 5 new signs adorn the banks - before and around the A35 bridge, downstream.

Ugly, Depressing, Illegitimate, Threatening
Has the tide gone out at Christchurch? :)

Caffyn on Rivers

2011-02-14T16:57:00.000Z

In 2007, the Rev'd Douglas Caffyn wrote a paper arguing that there is a Right of Navigation on the River Avon by virtue of Statute, Historic Use and Dedication.

The University of Sussex has awarded Douglas a Doctor of Philosophy degree for his subsequent thesis to establish the extent of river transportation in the period 1189 - 1600. He has now published this thesis, together with his earlier work “The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal waters and the Common Law“ These, together with a more accesible booklet titled "Boats on our Rivers Again" are available at http://www.caffynonrivers.co.uk/

Douglas Caffyn has concluded in his opinion that:-

From 1189 to 1600 there was a public right of navigation on all rivers which were physically usable.
Rivers were more navigable in the period 1189 to 1600 than they are now.
A right of navigation can only be extinguished by statute, statutory authority or the section of river becoming un-navigable.
There is, therefore, a public right of navigation on all unregulated rivers which are physically usable.

This is clearly a significant contribution to the access debate and a presumption in favour of public access to inland waters nationally

Please note, however, that in the case of the River Avon there are additional factors that support the right of navigation, as discussed in the original paper

An Avon micro hydro-electric power scheme

2010-12-15T08:51:00.000Z

A kayaker negotiates the weir at Burgate, near Fordingbridge

Mr. Pritchard of Kingfisher Cottage near Burgate, Fordingbridge – has applied for planning permission for the Installation of a micro hydro-electric power scheme

The details of the proposals and application can be viewed here:-
http://web01.newforestnpa.gov.uk/Pages3/AcolNetCGI.dcgov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=155639

The proposed location is at the overspill weir and sluices of a former mill race near Burgate. Here the millrace takes a minority of the Avon’s flow on a southward course, while the remaining (majority) flow passes eastward over a weir and its sluices (pictured above).

The proposal is to site an array of Archimedean screw turbines in a new channel cut immediately north (upstream) of the weir, thus diverting the Avon down to the weir pool and bypassing the original weir itself

I have read through the detailed proposals and applaud Mr. Pritchard for the vision of harnessing alternative power in this way - every opportunity to secure energy through environmentally sustainable and ‘green’ means must be encouraged.

I was, however, surprised and disappointed that the otherwise comprehensive documentation concerning the impact of the proposals (on hydrology, habitat, landscape, fisheries, etc.) failed to consider any possible impact on navigation.

There is a public right of navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of both the Statute of 1664 and by historic use. This is quite apart from the national arguments concerning The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law. (All discussed elsewhere on this site). Landowners who obstruct such passage have a duty to provide a safe portage route

As far as I am able to determine from the documents the only effects that the scheme is likely have for navigation concern reduced water flow over the existing weir and a footbridge over the top of the weir. It is likely that the weir will need to be portaged. Consequently, provision should be made, within the design, to secure an adequate and safe portage route or an alternative route for canoes etc. is considered.

The scheme design incorporates the construction of two additional side channels to southwestern end of turbine chambers - One would incorporate a sluice which would be manually opened to allow floating debris to pass on downstream or to act as a flood relief bypass. In the other, an inclined concrete bed would be formed on which an approved design of Larinier fishpass would be mounted.

Perhaps the design could be modified to allow passage for small water craft, such as canoes and kayaks, along one of these channels. Such modifications in design are likely to prove both practicable and comparatively inexpensive and will mitigate the schemes otherwise negative impact on navigation

Downton To Fordingbridge

2010-12-08T10:57:00.000Z

The Avon, from Castle Hill, looking North towards Woodgreen

The beautiful stretch of river from South Charford to Fordingbridge remains to be documented on this website.

Here, the river meanders though the mill at Breamore, past the escarpment that rises to Godshill enclosure, then west to the A338 at Burgate, back South East through Sandy Balls holiday park and, West again, through Fordingbridge.

The Avon at Fordingbridge historically played a central role in the life of the town community, and hosted the annual 'Hampshire Henley' regatta.

Today, very few are provided the opportunity to experience the tranquility, beauty and wildlife of the river.

Living River Survey

2010-07-24T14:01:00.000+01:00

The Living River was a £1 million Heritage Lottery funded project that will involve people throughout the River Avon catchment with the conservation of its natural heritage

One of the projects aims was to enhance information and access to the river at over 40 sites across the catchment, working with the communities that live there

For more information about the Living River Project look at a previous post: Here

An online survey, is currently being conducted (by Audiences South) on behalf of the Living River Project. This will inform the final phase of this Natural England programme.

If you are a canoeist, it is very doubtful that you have been affected by the procect - and you certainly won't have benefitted from it - their idea of 'access' is very different from your own.

However, the survey only takes a few minutes to complete and there is a comments section at the end where you can make your own feelings know.

They are wanting as many returns as possible by the 6th of August, but it can still be returned after that date.
SURVEY LINK
http://www.amhonline.org.uk/living_river_yr_2b3/livingriverstakeholders.htm

Environment Agency - River Levels on-line

2010-06-30T12:15:00.000+01:00

The Environment Agency have launched a new rivers and sea levels on line service: here

The website will include information from 1756 monitoring stations across England and Wales. This will be updated daily and in some cases, when water levels are high, more regularly.

This free service will help people who live in flood warning areas make more informed decisions, as well as being useful for recreational river users like anglers and boaters.

Below shows a screen shot of the tool.

River Avon on the Map

2010-05-10T18:24:00.001+01:00

Click on 'View Larger Map' for annotations

View Larger Map Driving Directions

Young paddlers deterred from responsible activity

2010-02-01T10:17:00.003Z

Four youngsters aged 14 to 17 decided to enjoy a short afternoon paddle on their local river. They were confronted while kayaking on the Avon at Burgate

They were planning to launch above the weir at SU154160, having walked upstream along the bank from the suspension footbridge at Burgate Manor Farm. Before launching they were confronted by a landowner on the opposite bank who told them that it was private property and the river is not navigable. They waited until he had gone then launched above the weir. The landowner reappeared then and repeated his claim that they should not be there, and appeared to make a number of phone calls. He said that the police would be waiting for them at Sandy Balls.

When they paddled over the weir he was angry and used abusive language, continuing to tell them to get off the river.

As they paddled past his house, his wife appeared, also in an angry mood, and shouted at them.

When they reached the footbridge both man and wife were ther and confronted them again. They repeated that they owned the river. The wife said that she was concerned for their safety.

They left the river at the footbridge and walked away along the public footpath.

Fortunately, although shaken, these youngsters still enjoyed their short winter paddle on a beautiful stretch of the river. A very healthy activity that should be encouraged amongst our local youngsters. All were experienced and trained kayakers

Through Salisbury Wylye > Nadder > Avon

2009-12-31T10:02:00.010Z

A Local paddler describes a 12 km trip through Salisbury, from Quidhampton (on the Wylye) to Bodenham

Three of us ran this at high water levels in December 2009. We put in at at the bridge over Wylye on A3094 - Netherhampton Rd at SU106 309 and took out at Bodenham, South of Longford Castle, where a road runs alongside the river Avon at: SU 170 258

There were some tree strainers and a few low bridges for the unwary - but no real difficulties. The weir at Longford Castle was washed out.

We were challenged near the sewage outfall at Petersfinger by a man who said we were on his land (we were, of course, not – as we were on the river). He looked very angry and took out his mobile and started calling someone whilst running off towards a large farm / house. We expected to be confronted at the Longford Castle Bridge but were not. We passed quite a few fishermen around Salisbury - but had no problems -everyone else was polite.

Route directions were, more or less, keep left whenever there is a choice

River Wylye Put In At A3094 Bridge Quidhampton SU106309

Shortly after launching on the Wylye you join the River Nadder and pass another possible get-in, park at SU120 306 opposite Bemerton ChurchKeep left more or less every time the river splits and pass under a number of bridges (some quite low at high water levels)

River Nadder after Bemerton

Tree Strainer on the Nadder

River Nadder below Churchfields
Past Churchfields Industrial Estate (on your left) - still keeping left turn sharp right and go under a bridge with a small weir under it SU137298 (Pictured below)

River Nadder below Churchfields (SU 137298) small weir under bridge

River Avon at Harnham Bridge
After the Harnham Bridge, pass the Sea Cadets HQ (possible get out at Churchill Gardens SU 149 292). At end of gardens park get out and portage the sluice on your left - going down the left turn in the river towards Southampton Road, A36

R Avon by A36 SU152293

SU158287 By Sewerage works (Angry Man - see above!)
Keep following the main river - generally left past Longford castle and after about 400 yards swing right down weir SU170259 (shoot weir at the very right, down the ramp).

Longford Weir (SU170 259) at lower water levels (and, below, washed out)

Get out a few hundred yards further on - where the road runs alongside the river (near Bodenham) at: SU 170 258

An Incident on the Avon

2009-11-10T16:31:00.007Z

I have just received this report from a local paddler:-

"A group of 4 paddled this today, as we approached Longford Castle we were first approched be a female, who said she worked for the estate and we were not allowed to canoe the river, I informed her I didn't believe she had the right to prohibit kayaking, she informed us she was on the phone & we would be stopped further on. Sure enough a little further on some chap in a fluorescent jacket stopped us. He stated he was a police officer (showed a card that did indeed look like a warrant card) told us we were trespassing and ordered us off the river. I happily offered to discus matters with him at a police station, but as I believed we were not trespassing we would carry on.

A little further on said police officer and another chap were waiting on the river bank, this time the chap with him walked to the river bank and said words to the effect "Next time you come me and my friends with our dogs will be waiting for you, and we'll sort you out." At that point I switched on my camera to movie mode (I know hindsight is wonderful). The supposed policeman assured us his colleagues would be waiting for us at Downton (I assume he meant Police Officers) .

We finished without incident or the boys in blue. I'll pop into my local nick tomorrow and report the threat. Anyone paddling the Avon between Salisbury and Christchurch should be aware the Lord of the manor isn't keen on us kayakers.

He added:-
I've just returned from the local nick.

Seemingly the chap who stopped us was indeed a police officer, he took our names but will take no further action.
The chap who threatened me was a bailiff I think, after a few words from his boss & the police, will probably think twice before repeating that offence.
The police were advised by the EA who suggested that canoeing through the Longford estate was controlled by the Estate, however nothing written was seen, I nudged a copy of Doug Caffyn’s research under his nose.
We came to the conclusion that until something is legally defined both sides will continue as they are. However the police are unlikely to respond to alleged trespass

It's been a year or so since the BBC featured the issue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG61qItTO8Q

A Seal in the Avon

2009-01-03T16:17:00.004Z

On New Years day 2009 I paddled from Mudeford up to the tidal limit of both the Stour and the Avon

I was fortunate enough to have a close encounter with a seal just at the entrance to the Avon (SZ 162 922) – he popped up next to the sea kayak, gave me a few welcoming snorts and swam around and under the boat before departing. I was so suprised that I forgot to get my camera out - but the above is fairly close

I don’t think I have ever seen seals in Christchurch Harbour before?

Welcoming Signs?

2008-12-05T16:47:00.006Z

One of many welcoming signs cluttering up the Avon

But it is the same story across England and Wales

The Living River Project

2008-10-23T08:11:00.001+01:00

Living River - involving people in the conservation of the River Avon

The Living River is a £1 million Heritage Lottery funded project that will involve people throughout the River Avon catchment with the conservation of its natural heritage. The project aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the River Avon system, focussing on how its natural heritage is linked to the rich cultural heritage of the area. It will invest resources from a range of partners in long-lasting improvements to biodiversity and access to the heritage, and will use innovative methods to engage audiences across the catchment and secure their support for its conservation.

The Living River targets four audiences: land managers, river users, influencers (such al local authorities) and the public who live and work in the catchment. Between 2006 and 20010 the project will complete the following programmes:

Biodiversity restoration

at sites the public can access and enjoy, involving residents and volunteers in restoration activities
addressing the management of invasive plants at a catchment-wide level through the development of a stakeholder forum, 20 year action plan and community involvement
Demonstrating that biodiversity management and access can be mutually beneficial

Access and Interpretation

Enhancing information and access to the river at over 40 sites across the catchment, working with the communities that live there
Enhancing access to information about the river across the catchment through website, interactive media and exhibits
Working with Salisbury International Arts Festival to develop river related theatre, sculpture and an audio archive

Education and Training

Open days, volunteer activities and training to help people get more from their involvement, understand their relationship with the river system and take responsibility for it
Raising awareness of the relationship between the river and water use in the catchment

The Project will demonstrate how a complex and largely privately owned natural heritage asset can be made widely accessible to a range of audiences.

Source: Natural England

Paddling through Salisbury

2008-06-02T17:05:00.003+01:00

A Harnham Local describes a 7km paddle through the city of Salisbury:

As a Harnham local, I have been canoeing the Nadder, Wylie and Avon for about a year in my 16ft Old Town Discovery – with the family. We deploy just East of Wilton House next to the Salisbury-bypass road at the meeting of the River Wylie and River Nadder and, after an instant portage, pass a small weir/bridge construction before setting off on a wonderful unspoilt section of the river. The land either side of the river at this point is ‘owned’ by Wilton House Estate although I have had no issues bar a neigh from a horse or the odd sheep staring at me.

We carry on toward Churchfields Industrial Estate (which you can’t see) and then a long slow loop around the industrial estate which is gladly shielded by thick trees. Exiting this loop, there exists the only short portage on the route. Re-entering the river from quite a public park always seems to draw a crowd before, once again, they are left behind and the peace and calm of the river decends. The river then meets the River Avon proper and an interesting navigation building can be seen at the meeting of these 2 rivers. An unusual lamp is built into the side of the small brick building and, I would presume, this has was used to guide those using the river in the early days. The latter section of the river is slightly faster and wider and our journey then ends just under the Salisbury by-pass bridge near the sea scouts centre.

In all, about a 2 hour journey to while away a lazy afternoon or morning.

Happy canoeing

Kayaking on the Avon at Sandy Balls

2008-05-27T07:38:00.005+01:00

Commercial kayaking now seems to have been established at Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, on the River Avon at Godshill, just upstream of Fordingbridge.

The Gentleman at the River

2008-05-23T11:58:00.004+01:00

The Gentleman at the River
The one who owned the land
Said I could not paddle
He told me I was banned
He explained that this was ‘his river’
And he was not obliged to share
But he kindly agreed to an access agreement
Which he considered fair
An annual trip on a very short stretch
On a specified date and time
Would be how canoeist’s could enjoy ‘his river’
Without committing a crime

I thanked this gentleman profusely
For his reasonable and generous ways
For agreeing to canoeists’ access
On those few, selective, days
And for forty years I kept to his rules
And I requested that others did too
This was, after all, ‘his river’
My negotiations reinforcing this view

But it was when he withdrew his permission
That I finally realised
That at that very first meeting
This gentleman had lied
This was no more ‘his river'
Than it belongs to you or me
In law nobody owns the water
Meaning that all our rivers are free
The river has flowed for thousands of years
Long before this man
His house, his fences, his cows and sheep
Had occupied the land
It is part of our natural heritage
Which is not the preserve of the few
Rivers are free for all to enjoy
Including me out paddling my canoe

The gentleman at the river
The one who owned the land
Said I could not paddle
He told me I was banned
I did not apologise, I did not speak
I launched within sight of this man
If someone says that you can’t paddle
Show them that you can

A poem written by a canoeist, not specifically about the Avon, but perhaps relevant all the same.

Fordingbridge to Ringwood

2008-05-06T16:33:00.001+01:00

The following photos and notes have been supplied by a canoeist who made the trip from Fordingbridge to Christchurch one Monday in the spring of 2008 - allowing for the meandering course of the river this amounts to approximately 37kms. I have divided the journey into 3 sections of equal length. Fordingbridge to Ringwood, Ringwood to the Avon Causeway and the final leg to Christchurch harbour.

Access at Fordingbridge is provided by a small slip way at the southern end of the recreation ground (SU148138)

SU148133 A typical Avon scene. Reeds, willows and a fishing jetty

SU148131: There are two weirs at Bicton, one beside the mill, and this one a few hundred metres upstream. We portaged the first weir, easier and more discrete than the hatches by the mill (this would be runnable in a kayak in normal flows)

SU145129: Footbridge over the Avon
Looking downstream through the footbridge

SU147125: Fishermen's hut
A relatively upmarket fishermen's hut beside the Avon near Bicton

SU147111: River Avon
A swamped boat and a fishermen's hut amongst the willows

SU150100: River Avon above Ibsley. Trees growing at an angle, presumably because of the prevailing wind in this open stretch of meadows beside the Avon

SU150097: Ibsley Bridge
Looking downstream through the bridge that carries the road between Harbridge and Ibsley
The Old Beams Inn on the A338 here would provide a welcome stop for thirsty / hungry paddlers

SU149096: Ibsley weir
Looking upstream, towards the weir beside the A338 road at Ibsley. We portaged this weir. (runnable in a kayak in normal flows). Beware, sometime a garotting wire is strung across the weir

SU139083: Bridge to Somerley
The iron bridge that carries the drive across the river Avon from Ellingham to Somerley

SU138077: Attractive meanders through Somerley Park. The swirling waters demonstrate that the flow is surprisingly fast for a mature river

SU146056: Not the most attractive part of the river Avon. This electricity sub-station on the east bank, close to the A31 and its bridges over the river, make a stark contrast to the rural scenes above and below Ringwood

SU145056: These hatches, with a bridge above, are beside the busy A31 at Ringwood
SU142051: Old Bridge over the Avon at Ringwood This bridge carried the old road west from Ringwood over the river Avon. The view from the other side is much less attractive, where the two carriageways of the A31 by-pass each has its own concrete bridge. The central support of one can be seen here, through the centre arch

Ringwood to the Avon Causeway

2008-05-06T15:22:00.010+01:00

The following photos and notes have been supplied by a canoeist who paddled from Fordingbridge to Christchurch one day in the spring of 2008. This ‘section’ describes the 12kms from Ringwood to the Avon Causeway

SU141048: Old railway bridge at Ringwood
With the railway gone, this bridge carries the Castleman Trailway over the river Avon. Viewed here from downstream. Each support comprises 3 pillars with horizontal beams, and is aligned across the flow on the bend in the river. This arrangement makes the bridge a great collector of trees and other debris

SU139033: River Avon above Avon Castle
The mixed trees on the right give away the fact that this is a residential area beside the Avon. Some very desirable waterside residences here

SU138030: Avon Castle
Environment Agency workers motoring past Avon Castle, a riverside property now divided into apartments. The tree in front of the building is an impressive plane tree, and there are others of similar size growing on the bank nearby

SU133008: Pumping StationThis pumping station is on the west bank of the river Avon, beside the A338. The sign warns passing boaters to keep clear of underwater apparatus

SZ139998: Shooting Hide beside the river Avon
One of a number of hides of the same construction, presumably for shooting waterfowl, on this part of the Avon
SZ145992: River Avon
Sabines Farm, viewed from the point at which the river divides into two streams (SZ141994). That shown is the eastern branch, which runs close to the B3347 at Avon
SZ149977: Avon Causeway bridge
The bridge over the river Avon at the eastern end of the Avon Causeway

The Avon Causeway to Christchurch

2008-05-06T15:20:00.001+01:00

The following photos and notes have been supplied by a canoeist who paddled from Fordingbridge to Christchurch one day in the spring of 2008. This ‘section’ describes the final 10kms from the Avon Causeway to Christchurch Harbour

SZ156964: River Avon between Sopley and WinktonThe gatehouse to moorlands Bible College is the building just right of centre, in this view from the river

SZ160960: Hatches on the river Avon at Winkton
The river divides into two streams here. This is the view looking upstream from the western branch. The eastern branch flows to the right of the picture, upstream of the hatches

SZ160956: Hatches on the river Avon below WinktonThese hatches connect the east and west branches of the river Avon, which divides at Winkton and converges again at Burton. The function of the thatched building is not known to me

SZ157944: River Avon at Fairmile
Power lines and gravel extraction plant mar this view across the meadows from the river Avon towards Fairmile

SZ154940: River Avon above Christchurch waterworks
This pipeline across the river is near the upstream end of the large waterworks of the Bournemouth and West Hants Water Company. The river flow is controlled and divided into three streams here by sets of hatches, which also serve as footbridges carrying the Avon valley Path across the river. The tranquil, rural scenes of the upper stretches of the Avon are suddenly transformed at this point, not just by the industrial buildings, but by a profusion of high steel fences and unwelcoming signs

SZ156934: Railway bridge over the river Avon
Looking downstream through the railway bridge

SZ160931: A35 bridge over the river Avon
The view downstream through the bridge carrying the A35 Christchurch by-pass over the Avon

SZ162928: Bridge Street crosses the river Avon An interesting house on the east bank of the river Avon, in Bridge Street in Christchurch. The river divides into two streams about 200 metres upstream of this point, and converges again just upstream of the confluence of the rivers Avon and Stour. This view is downstream on the eastern branch of the Avon

The river now joins the River Stour, and flows into Christchurch harbour. The paddle can be extended a further 2.5kms across the Harbour to Mudeford Quay (SZ183917)

A note from the paddler

We paddled my open boat from Fordingbridge to Christchurch on Monday, 23km as the crow flies but 37km on the water. We launched at 9 and arrived at Christchurch at 4, having struggled against a strong head wind all the way, but with surprisingly fast flow – faster than the stretch we are familiar with around Downton.
We saw very few people. A farmer on the Somerley estate got on his mobile as soon as he saw us, a game angler threw a comment after we had passed, a walker said hello, and four Environment Agency workers launched a boat as we passed, motored past us at Avon Castle and were working on the bank as we passed them again. They were very friendly
All was well until we reached the Christchurch waterworks, where the hatches must be portaged. As we portaged we were challenged by one of their staff who said we were trespassing, and he crossed the bridge to meet us. We launched ahead of his arrival to avoid conflict and were met at the next bridge by one of his colleagues who took photos and told us he would confiscate our boat if he saw us there again. Both were quite unfriendly in their approach and very confident of their position. This is a difficult portage to make discretely and, although the portage across the hatches is on the Avon Valley Path, and therefore a right of way, you have to cross a small piece of their land, the grass bank, to launch again. Presumably they could prevent that if they saw you coming, or threaten to sue for trespass if they knew who you were?
Other than that, a great day out, lots of bird life below Ringwood, and a very pretty piece of countryside. We thoroughly recommend it.

Some Possible Access Points

2007-09-20T16:38:00.001+01:00

A friend has been looking at an OS Map and has identified a number of potential access points along the beautiful Avon

There are public parks beside the river at

Salisbury (Grid Ref. SU147291)
Downton (Grid Ref. SU173202)
Fordingbridge (Grid Ref. SU148138)
Ringwood (Grid Ref. SU144052)

Public paths access the river at numerous locations, including:-

Across the weir below Trafalgar Park (Grid Ref. SU181237)
Below Hale House (Grid Ref. SU177186)
At Brugate (Grid Ref. SU154154)
At Bicton (Grid Ref. SU148127)

There are other possibilities with access beside the river at

Breamore (Grid Ref. SU164172)
Ibsley (Grid Ref. SU149096)

As he says "this all makes the River Avon sound very accessible doesn't it!" - but the right of navigation has not been accepted by angling interests and landowners (see the 'Access' pages elsewhere on this site)

This Blog

2007-06-23T14:29:00.000+01:00

Over the last few years I have been receiving an increasing number of phone and email enquiries concerning paddling the River Avon. Many of these are from tourists visiting the area; many others are 'locals' who have, perhaps, enjoyed canoeing during their holidays on the continent and want to take it up here. The vast majority have been blissfully unaware of river access issues and have found it difficult to believe that they are not 'allowed’ to paddle the Avon

Rather than explaining the situation again and again I have prepared this 'blog' to provide some information on the River Avon and the ‘Access’ debate.

This 'blog' has been created in anticipation that one day, not too far in the future, the right of navigation on the River Avon (from Salisbury to Christchurch) will be accepted by all. Hopefully, by that time, it will provide a source of information for all river users

If you have some information on the River Avon that you would like to share, please email me

Alderbury to South Charford

2007-06-22T08:46:00.000+01:00

The River Avon flows for approximately 60kms between Salisbury and Christchurch.

For one day a year Ringwood Canoe Club is given permission to paddle through the Longford Castle Estate. Traditionally the trip has run from Alderbury to Downton but, through negotiation with an additional eight tenant farmers and landowners, in 2007 the club was allowed to paddle an extra few kilometres and to extend the trip to South Charford. A total distance of some 10kms.

Sadly, for the remaining 364 days a year the club are only permitted to paddle approximately 400 metres of the river (within the confines of the recreation ground at Fordingbridge) - that is less than 1%

The following series of photographs provide a photo-record of the principal features along the way for the 'one day a year' paddle

Alderbury Access: SU175273

Longford Castle SU171267

The first small weir SU170259

Ducking under a bridge SU172246

The first 'portage' weir SU182236

Just around the corner from the first portage, a bit of 'white water' SU181235

Wild Weirs Hatches, the second portage SU178219

Through the middle arch of Downton Bridge SU178216

The stopper below the big hatch by the old tannery proved a playful but shallow 'surfer' SU180214
At North Charford the river splits, by running the weir on the left branch SU173194
You can rejoin the river below the weir on the right branch SU171190

For the final 'take out' at SU177187

Fordingbridge

2007-06-21T16:35:00.000+01:00

Of the 60kms of river from Salisbury to Christchurch, canoeists are permitted to paddle just 400 metres located at Fordingbridge Recreation Ground.

There are some 150 young people who belong to the local Scout groups who enjoy learning to kayak and canoe on this short stretch of river.

Members of 1st Sandleheath Sea Scouts enjoying some expert tuition at Fordingbridge

Sadly they need to travel well outside the region to find a river that they are allowed to paddle for any distance

East Mills Weir

2007-06-21T16:00:00.000+01:00

East Mills weir, 1km upstream from Fordingbridge (Grid Reference SU157144), potentially offers a unique local feature for canoeists providing an ideal and friendly ‘training ground’ for practicing basic ‘white water’ skills. Indeed, it is, as far as I know, the only local site that offers this. I paddled at the weir on a few occasion in 1998, with the permission of the, then, owner of the Manor House at the Mill. On these few occasions the weir provided a safe ‘stopper’ or hydraulic with a natural flow through (on river left) to allow canoeists to exit the slot with comparative ease.

The weir is situated at an Environment Agency Depot and, consequently, I, on behalf of a local Canoe Club, sought permission from the Agency, in 1999, to paddle here for one or two evenings a month. Unfortunately, the Agency’s ownership is limited to the depot area and river bank. The river bed and fishing rights are owned by the Manor House that had recently changed hands.

The Agency was happy to grant access for canoeing providing consent was given by the new owner of the Manor House. Unfortunately, such consent was denied outright (indeed, the owner refused to even discuss the issue) and any potential ‘access agreement’ was, at that time ‘dead in the water’
Sadly this very much represents the pattern and outcome of access negotiations by canoeists, canoe clubs and the BCU across the country. Voluntary Access agreements across England and Wales have only managed to secure permission to paddle around 1% of rivers - and these rare agreements are often highly restrictive in nature, allowing paddling for a few months of the year

The Fordingbridge Regatta

2007-06-21T13:38:00.001+01:00

Inaugurated in 1889, the Fordingbridge Regatta was held on the River Avon each August until 1928. At this time there was a rowing and sailing club. These regattas were so popular that they attracted people from as far away as London and trains were laid on to bring people to the station at Fordingbridge. They became known as the Hampshire Henley. It was a very festive occasion, with hundreds of people enjoying the water sports from the illuminated river bank

Historically the Avon played a much greater role in our lives and communities. Now it has become the preserve of the few

A Short History of Navigation on the Avon

2007-06-21T13:31:00.000+01:00

The river Avon rises in Wiltshire (near Pewsey) and flows for 65 miles to the sea near Christchurch in Dorset.

2550 BCE: One theory puts forward that the bluestones of Stonehenge were brought from Wales, via Lundy Island (as suggested by Rodney Castleden) and then around the Cornish Peninsula to the Salisbury Avon and up river to Salisbury and Amesbury

1535: A Commission was appointed in order to clear weirs and obstructions from the river. It is likely that this was to allow navigation but no action seems to have resulted

1623 the Water Poet, John Taylor, wrote an account of a journey he made from London following the south coast to Christchurch in a wherry, accompanied by four friends. From Christchurch he was rowed up the river to Salisbury

In 1664 an Act was passed for making the River Avon navigable from Salisbury to the Sea. (36 miles) Work did not start until 1675 and the navigation opened in 1684. Traffic on the river at this time included 25 ton barges. The Avon remained navigable to small craft for 50 years Traffic ceased about 1730

Ten navigation cuts were constructed between Salisbury and Christchurch The first of these runs for about 2 miles from below Harnham Bridge, Salisbury, past the village of Britford, to rejoin the main river by Longford Castle. Other cuts were at Downton, Horseport (close to Fordingbridge), Ellingham Church, Ringwood, Avon, Sopley and Winkton,

In 1730 plans that had been intended to make Ringwood an inland port were finally abandoned and the river was used thereafter solely for pleasure craft.

1889 witnessed the inauguration of the Fordingbridge Regatta. This was held on the River Avon each August until 1928. At this time there was a rowing and sailing club. The Regatta attracted people from all over England and became known as the Hampshire Henley

In 1907 the ancient public rights to sail boats on the river at Ringwood were denied by the fishing and riparian interests, and although the case was brought before the High Court, there was not enough money to pursue it successfully

Very little remains of the navigation and much of the river is inaccessible to the public. Many changes have happened in the Avon Valley in the three hundred years since barges travelled the waterway. The construction of water-meadows, particularly in the 18th century, has had a great effect

Conflicts and Canoeing

2007-06-20T13:47:00.000+01:00

There should be no conflicts. Canoeing is Low Impact

It causes no pollution
It leaves no trace of passing
It is an ideal way to access the water environment
It gives people a better understanding of the landscape, habitats and wildlife around them
There is no evidence that canoeing disturbs spawning grounds or fish stocks
We don’t even leave footprints as we float along

The more people use rivers the more they will cherish them and want to protect them

A Right Of Navigation? The National Debate

2007-06-20T13:44:00.000+01:00

The problem we face in England and Wales is that the public are denied access to and along 98% of rivers. The legal situation is different in most other countries in the world, where canoeists are generally able to paddle large and small non-tidal rivers without seeking permission, as the beds of these rivers are not privately owned. Under these different and more open regimes there is very little, if any, conflict between land ownership, angling and navigation interests - each having rights to the use of the water.

In England and Wales it is currently assumed that the law dictates that whoever owns the land along the river bank (the riparian owner) also owns the property rights to the river bed. If a river doesn’t have a public right of navigation and you haven’t got consent from the riparian owner, you’re committing trespass by paddling, swimming or even wading

The Magna Carta gave free Passage of all rivers for ships and boats. This public right of navigation has been effectively ‘stolen’ by a succession of legal authors. Prior to 1830 there was a generally acted public right of navigation on all rivers which were physically navigable. Riparian rights are created by statute and there has never been a law giving landowners control over navigation. However, since 1830 successive legal authors have assumed, more positively over time, that the control of navigation is a riparian right.

However, with regard to the River Avon, many argue that there remains a Public Right of Navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of the Statute of 1664 (see 'History')

The Avon - A Public Navigable River?

2007-06-20T13:30:00.000+01:00

Below, a paper written by the Rev'd Douglas Caffyn (January 2007) concerning the right of navigation on the River Avon

The River Avon from Harnham Bridge, Salisbury to the Sea.
A public navigable river.
Most legal texts which deal with the subject of public navigable rivers state that a public right of navigation may be created by Statute, Historic Use or Dedication at Common Law. These are considered in order in this paper. However it is also claimed that there is a public right of navigation on all rivers which are physically navigable. The reasons for this are set out in the paper ‘The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law’.
Right created by Statute.
In 1664 an Act was passed for making the River Avon navigable from Salisbury to the Sea. (17 Charles II c 12) This section of the river was made navigable but it is thought that part of the works were swept away by a flood soon after. However John Chandler (Endless Street) records that traffic on the river included 25 ton barges.
It is understood that in the early 20th century a gentleman claimed that there was still a right of navigation on the river but that when he was sued for trespass. It seems that the case was not defended and so no precedent was created.
If there was such a case it has now been over-ruled by the Appeal Court in A-G ex rel Yorkshire Derwent Trust Ltd v Brotherton. ((1990) 61 P & CR 198) In this case it was held that when a Navigation Act was passed it created, by implication, a public right of navigation on the river, both for commerce and for recreation, either from the date of the passing of the Act or from the date when the river was made navigable. It was also held that this right continues until the Act is repealed. However if the river becomes silted up so that certain boats are physically unable to use the river then the right of navigation is suspended for such boats. Smaller boats may continue to use the river.
It was held by the House of Lords in A-G v Simpson ([1901] 2 Ch 671) that a river remains legally navigable even if the passage of boats is obstructed by weirs or other structures.
The course of the River Avon has changed over the last four centuries. It has been held that if a river changes its course then the right of navigation follows to the new course. ((1349) 22 Ass 93 and Mayor of Carlisle v Graham ((1869) 4 LR 361)
Thus there is now a Public Right of Navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of the Statute of 1664.
Right created by Historic Use.
Hatcher (The History of Modern Wiltshire) records that “From time immemorial, the river Avon had been subject to commissioners of sewers, to preserve various rights of fishery and passage. The antient custom of this part of the river was that a passage was to be left free, fifteen feet wide, and twelve feet distant from either bank. This custom was confirmed by the commissioners, in the third year of James the First, 1604 , and the eighth of Charles the First, 1632.”
A copy of an order made at Salisbury Quarter Sessions in 1590-91 confirms Hatcher’s report. 1590-1591, 24M82/PZ3)
It is also confirmed by an Order issued by a Session of Sewers held at Salisbury , concerning the River Avon in Wiltshire and Hampshire in 1605. (Hampshire Record Office, 21 Dec 1605, 24M82/PZ41.)
In 1592 an Order of the Commissioners of Sewers refers to the obstruction of ‘the ffee passage of ffishe swannes and boates’ on the river between Harnham Bridge, Salisbury and Christchurch. (Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office, PR/Salisbury St Martin/1899/223 - date 1592.)
Also in the Hampshire Record Office is an Inventory of Joseph Warne of Bisterne, Ringwood, Hampshire dated 1632 which includes ‘Boats and Nets’.
In 1623 John Taylor and his companions rowed a wherry upstream to Salisbury. (John Taylor, All The Works of John Taylor the Water Poet. A Discovery by Sea from London to Salisbury. London. 1630.)
In 1685 two vessels laden with 25 tons were brought to Crane Bridge in Salisbury. (A.T. Morley Hewitt, The Story of Fordingbridge. Fordingbridge. 1965, 42.)
In 1724 Defoe recorded that ‘with a deep Channel, and a Current less rapid, they [the Avon, Willy and Naddir] run down to Christ Church, which is their Port, and where they empty themselves into the Sea; from that Town upwards, towards Salisbury they are made navigable too within two Miles, and might be so quite into the City, were it not for the Strength of the Stream.’ (Daniel Defoe, A Tour Through the whole Island of Great Britain. Volume I. (First published 1724.) London: Peter Davies. 1927, 188.)
1753. In Salisbury ‘one of the piers of the north bridge had been taken away, and two arches thrown into one, for the better accommodation of the barges to be drawn up towards the city, as I have been informed they did as high as Crane-bridge.’ (Francis Price, A Series of particular and useful Observations Made with great Diligence and Care, upon that Admirable Structure the Cathedral-Church of Salisbury. London. 1753, 30.)
Where a public right of navigation has been established it can only be extinguished by Act of Parliament, Statutory Authority or by the river becoming physically impassable. (R v Betts, (1850) 16 Q.B. 1022; Vooght v Winch, (1819) 2 B. & Ald. 662) and Josie Rowland v Environment Agency [2002] EWHC 2785)
Thus there is now a Public Right of Navigation on the River Avon from Salisbury to the Sea by virtue of Historic Use.
It is often stated that only a Court can decide if there is a public right of navigation on a section of a river. In the case of the River Avon a Court has made such a ruling.
Right created by Dedication.
Here only the section of the river at Fordingbridge is considered. There may also be other sections of the river on which a public right of navigation has been created by dedication.Hewitt wrote about the Fordingbridge Regattas that ‘In the mid-19th century sailing was a favourite pastime, and about 1850 regattas were being held: … In 1870 a short-lived rowing club was formed, but in 1889 a strong committee inaugurated a rowing and sailing club, their initial regatta being held on the 1st August that year; it became a yearly event until the outbreak of the 1914 War and was so well organised and so popular that special trains were run from London. It even became known as the “Hampshire Henley.” The regattas were revived after the war and continued until 1928, the 26th annual regatta being held on the 12th August, 1925.’ (A.T. Morley Hewitt, The Story of Fordingbridge. Fordingbridge. 1965, 74.)
There is a similar record of the regattas in ‘A History of Fordingbridge and Neighbourhood’ by Reginald Hannen. The book ‘Fordingbridge in Old Picture Postcards’ by Anthony Light and Gerald Ponting has photographs of sailing boats, rowing boats and punts on the river at Fordingbridge.
John Levell, vice chairman of the Wessex Salmon and Rivers Trust, confirmed in a statement quoted in the New Forest Journal dated 14 July 2006 that the river is still regularly used for recreation.
Thus there is such a public right of navigation on the river above and below Fordingbridge.
Any queries about the above paper should be
addressed to:-
Rev’d D.J.M. Caffyn
255 Kings Drive
Eastbourne
East
Sussex BN21 2UR
January 2007.

Access to Non-Tidal Water – The Legal Position

2007-06-20T13:00:00.000+01:00

What the BCU (British Canoe Union) say about the legal position is:-

The legal situation

Most inland waters in England are privately owned and to canoe on them without permission could constitute an act of trespass. Where there is no public launching point, or a public footpath to the water’s edge it is necessary for the paddler to get permission to cross private land to access the water. The following notes apply to England and Wales; the law is different in Scotland.

Access to water, the factual position

In 2000 The Government appointed Brighton University to produce a report titled ‘Water-Based Sport and Recreation: the facts’ this established that

Approximate length of rivers over three meters wide: 68,310kms. in England & Wales

Public or a statutory right of navigation: 2,317kms. (3.5%)

Canoes and other small craft can use narrower waters, which often offer the most interesting and challenging water. Therefore the true length of navigable rivers is substantially greater and the percentage available substantially less, estimated at 2%

Of the 66,000kms where no statutory rights exist, voluntary access agreements have achieved 812kms (1.2%)

Trespass (under civil law)

If you are canoeing privately owned water without permission, then you might be trespassing. Simple trespass is a civil offence, not a criminal offence. Damages can be awarded against the trespasser (i.e. a fine), or an injunction can be issued to prevent repetition of trespass or to restrain threatened trespass. It is not a police matter unless a criminal offence is committed; this would only be if wilful or malicious damage was done, there was a conspiracy to commit trespass, there was behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace or it was a case of aggravated trespass (see below).

If you are challenged whilst paddling, please be courteous and polite whatever the situation. Avoid anything that could be interpreted as a breach of the peace or conspiracy to trespass (i.e. criminal offences). If you are challenged by an authorised official you can be obliged to give your name and address, If you are accused of trespass and genuinely believe you are exercising a public right of navigation or are paddling within the terms of an access agreement, you should say so and refuse to admit trespass. There is no case if you can prove that you are within your rights or have permission. Where you have a legal right the law requires you to exercise the right reasonably with due consideration for others.

Aggravated Trespass (under criminal Law)

The Criminal Justice Act 1994 introduced the new criminal offence of aggravated trespass. This should not be confused with ordinary trespass, which is a civil offence. To commit aggravated trespass you must first be trespassing; whilst trespassing you must also have the intention of obstructing or disrupting a lawful activity (such as hunting, shooting or fishing) or intimidating those engaged in such lawful activities Canoeists should not fall foul of this new law if they canoe in a peaceful and considerate manner. We have no indication as to how the Police the Crown Prosecution Service and the Courts will interpret the act where paddlers in pursuit of their sport might be involved.

A Protected River Environment

2007-06-20T08:28:00.000+01:00

The River Avon rises in the Vale of Pewsey and flows through Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset to the sea at Christchurch.

The River Avon and its tributaries form one of the most diverse chalk stream systems in Europe, and support a wide range of fish, birds, mammals and plant species. They are designated as:

Special Area of Conservation (SAC): for its watercourse habitat (largely dominated by water crowfoot), and populations of rare or threatened species, such as sea and brook lamprey, bullhead, Atlantic salmon and Desmoulins' whorl snail. SACs are of European importance for nature conservation and receive the highest level of legal protection
Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), supporting important biodiversity action plan species and habitats such as otter, water vole, wet woodland and reed beds and forming part of the nation’s finest natural heritage

The lower reaches of the Avon valley, between Bicton and Christchurch, displays wide fluctuations in water level and parts of the valley are regularly flooded in winter. Consequently, the valley includes one of the largest expanses of unimproved floodplain grassland in Britain, including extensive areas managed as hay meadows and grazing marsh. It is designated as:

Special Protection Area (SPA) for wintering Bewick's swans and Gadwall of European importance.
Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) floodplain grazing marsh supporting a complex mosaic of wetland habitats, breeding waders and wintering wildfowl. Notable for a wide range of breeding wetland birds, rare plants and wetland insects

River Avon (Disambiguation)

2007-06-01T08:13:00.000+01:00

"River Avon" in England literally means "River River"

‘River’ - a large natural flow of water travelling along a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river. Origin Old French, from Latin riparius, from ripa ‘bank of a river’
‘Avon’ - a Celtic word meaning simply 'river' (Welsh afon, Gaelic abhainn)

There are a number of other rivers named "Avon" around the world:

England

River Avon, Devon, Bigbury on Sea near Salcombe
River Avon, Warwickshire through Stratford-upon-Avon
River Avon, Bristol through Bath and Bristol

Wales

River Afan is sometimes anglicised to Avon.

Scotland

River Avon, Falkirk
River Avon, Strathspey
Avon Water, tributary of the River Clyde

Canada

Avon River, Ontario
Avon River, Nova Scotia

New Zealand

Avon River, New Zealand

Australia

Avon River (Western Australia)
Avon River (Western Victoria)
Avon River (Gippsland, Victoria)
Avon River (New South Wales)

Avon Access reaches the BBC News

2007-02-27T16:54:00.000Z

Check out the link below to view a short video from the BBC that debates access on the River Avon

BBC NEWS England 1664 law could prove right to row