Welsh Assembly Government recognise need for managed access

The controversial 'Taking Forward Wales' consultation has now reached a conclusion and anglers across Wales and beyond can breathe a sigh of relief as proposals for a universal right of access to inland water have once again been shelved.

In a ministerial statement, Lesley Griffiths stated that: "There were strong but differing views on how best to reform access legislation. We therefore believe that now is not the right time for substantive reform. But we are committed to exploring selected aspects of change where there was greater consensus, including on some of the administrative arrangements and multi-use paths. We will continue to facilitate further discussions through established groups such as the National Access Forum."

The Countryside Alliance led the campaign opposing the proposal to extend Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act to rivers and other inland waters. The Alliance's campaign responses were in excess of 1,800 signatories who opposed open access but supported managed access. Furthermore, individual responses to the consultation demonstrated that the proposal was unacceptable, leading the Welsh Government to reconsider.

It is not the responses alone that galvanised support for access arrangements in Wales, over an open access policy. The Alliance held a significant number of meetings with the Welsh Government and Assembly Members from all parties securing the understanding that an open access policy for both land and water is simply not the answer here in Wales, and that access arrangements stuck the right balance between different interests, the needs of the environment, and ensured opportunities for all to enjoy our land and inland water.

Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance Director for Wales, said: "I am very pleased for all of the landowners and riparian owners to see that the results of the consultation have confirmed that now is not the right time for major changes to access to land and water. There are significant changes ahead post Brexit and the Welsh Government clearly understand that major changes could have had a huge impact on Welsh farmers, other landowners and managers.

"I think moving forward we will see real opportunities for increased access and this latest decision sends a clear message that those seeking unmanaged access need to engage with landowners, riparian owners and angling clubs. The Countryside Alliance as a member of the National Access Forum will continue to work alongside colleagues to improve opportunities for access to land and water in Wales."

Tony Rees, Angling Cymru said: "The support of the Countryside Alliance has been instrumental in bringing the angling community together on this matter in Wales. Angling Cymru has always been pleased to support the Alliance. This is all about a process of sharing, co-operation and common sense and respect for the rights of all and the environment and we are pleased on behalf of our members."