Lower Lydbrook Access
[ Home ] [ Canoeing the wye ] [ Paddling the Wye in 1916 ] [ Privateers on the Wye ] [ The Wye in 1835 ]

You have reached iGreens.org.uk.  In December 2006 we moved to iGreens.org with faster servers and discussion boards.  Click here to follow us.  

[ Home ] [ Up ]

The owner of the fishing rights at Lower Lydbrook writes:

Lower Lydbrook Riverside Park has been closed to canoe launching since Oct 1st 2006.   The Park does not have legal access to the  riverbank, which is retained by the Courtfield Estate.  Excessive commercial use of Lydbrook for canoe launching has damaged the riverbank, and repeated use of the salmon pools by kayakers doing breakout manoeuvres has jeopardised the fishery. Although salmon stocks, have improved the rapids remain a sensitive area of habitat for salmon migrating upstream.  The disturbance by canoeists is such that salmon rods cannot be let at weekends.

I assure you I respect the rights of navigators canoeing the waterway in a proper manner and enjoying the extraordinary beauty of this river.  I have no desire to obstruct that right unlawfully. I cannot feel the same about kayakers carrying out a recreational activity, which is about as divorced from the right to pass and repass as doing do'nuts on the main road.

Regards
Don Wright

PS I cannot understand how the BCU can put obstructions in the Symonds Yat rapids in contravention of the Wye Navigation Order.

iGreen comment
Don Wright's letter is a model of restraint.  He has paid for the rights to fish this part of the river but cannot do so on certain stretches because canoeists settle on his rapids to practice their kayaking skills.  He is also justifiably upset when others make a living guiding parties of novice canoeists downriver and launch from his land without paying.   How long have we got to wait for canoeists to start paying for their sport like fishermen?

Oct 2006

 

[ Home ] [ Up ]

You have reached iGreens.org.uk.  In December 2006 we moved to iGreens.org with faster servers and discussion boards.  Click here to follow us.  

Send mail to enquiries@igreens.org.uk  with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: November 12, 2006