Welcome to Waters of Wales - WoW

Strolling beside the water, picnicking on the shore and watching the ducks, taking a dip in a mountain lake, boating gently along a river, shooting the rapids, photographing the wildlife… spending time in nature is good for our health and wellbeing, even more so when we spend time in, on or beside water: ‘bluespace recreation’.

Just as all members of the public can benefit from outdoor recreation; the environment benefits from public involvement.

No-one will protect what they don’t care about, and no-one will care about what they have never experienced

David Attenborough

Recent research shows that people who spend time with nature are more likely to behave in environmentally responsible ways. Swimmers, strollers, birdwatchers or boaters - we all want a clean, healthy environment to enjoy our pastimes. The public are often the eyes and ears on the ground, even more so in or on the water; identifying and reporting problems such as pollution and invasive non-native species. Outdoor enthusiasts often take part in voluntary tasks such as conservation, river clean-ups and litter-picking.

Unfortunately, the public are not always able to engage with nature and the environment. All too often, they are unnecessarily excluded, particularly from water and waterside, on grounds that are often unclear and/or not backed up by evidence.

Environment, wellbeing and access are mutually dependent. The best outcome for nature, the environment and the public, needs public engagement with the natural environment, and a code of practice for all members of the public, local government, landowners, outdoor workers – everyone - to observe.

Waters of Wales - WoW is part of the Bluespace Access and Conservation Trust, registered charity no. 1190101. We believe that all members of the public should be able to enjoy and contribute to the benefits of bluespace recreation, free of unnecessary restrictions, regardless of status or ability to pay.

WoW advocates and campaigns for fair, shared, sustainable open access to water, waterside, and the wider countryside, so that all members of the public can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of ‘bluespace’ recreation and a clean healthy environment.

WoW will work to protect existing access; identify, record and restore lost access; and campaign for the removal of unnecessary barriers (physical and psychological) to public access. We believe that lack of clarity in the law is a major barrier to progress, and we will continue to make the case for legal clarification and new legislation where needed.

We founded the community because we saw a need for representation of all members of the public who wish to enjoy recreation in, on or beside water, whether as individuals or members of groups and organisations.

Waters of Wales’ community includes, but is not restricted to: swimmers, walkers, riders, naturalists, photographers and boaters.

If you enjoy spending time in, on or beside water, and believe that our natural heritage should be shared by all, the 'Waters of Wales' community is for you!

Who are WOW?

The Waters of Wales community includes a range of water-users including swimmers, walkers, birdwatchers, photographers and boaters.

WoW stands for WoW stands for fair, shared, sustainable open access to the Waters of Wales for all, free of unnecessary restrictions, whilst respecting the environment, wildlife and other people.

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The Issue

Public enjoyment of the Waters of Wales can be contentious, but this has not always been the case.

There are acknowledgments of a Public Right to use water prior to 1750. There is no overall or encompassing statute which extinguishes pre-existing rights.

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History of Access to water

The inland waters of Wales were carved long before the emergence of modern society.

Historically, much as they do today, our rivers, lakes and estuaries provided opportunities for transport, commerce, sustenance, and recreation.

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What can I do?

There are a number of ways to help the 'Waters of Wales - WoW' campaign

Register as a supporter and learn how you can help WOW.

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Campaign News

The Latest News from the WOW campaign

Learn about what WOW is up to and read the latest campaign news.

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