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