Almost 75% of England’s riverbanks ‘off limits’ to public, figures show
Research from the Right to Roam campaign reveals that nearly 75% of riverbanks in England are inaccessible to the public. Campaigners are urging the government to introduce legislation ensuring a right of access to water for public health and recreation.
Why it matters
The findings highlight a growing tension between private land ownership and the public's desire for access to nature, especially during extreme heatwaves.
People seeking relief from this summer’s heat in the River Avon near Bath. People seeking relief from this summer’s heat in the River Avon near Bath. Access to green space Almost 75% of England’s riverbanks ‘off limits’ to public, figures show Campaigners urge government to introduce right of access to water, particularly as heatwaves become more common
Prefer the Guardian on Google Almost three-quarters of riverbanks in England have no public access, according to data released by the Right to Roam campaign.
Across the country, the public cannot use riverbanks or gain access to the rivers themselves in most of the river catchments from the west of Cornwall up to the Tweed, which flows through northern England and Scotland.
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