The view from Yat Rock
The River Banks
The Forestry Commission
The only "land" owned by canoeists is the river itself, both banks are actually owned by the Forestry Commission.
A "Deed of Grant in Perpetuity" (also known as an "Easement") is therefore currently being negotiated with the Forestry Commission which will give canoeists -
- The right to construct and maintain canoe access points on both banks at the bottom of the Rapids and on the left bank at the top.
- A right of access with vehicles to carry out the planned work on th Rapids and for its subsequent maintenance.
- The right to construct and lay a communication cable along the left hand side of the Rapids.
- The right to construct and maintain slots for fixing slalom poles (this avoids the need for bits of string tied and left on trees which antagonizes local residents).
- The right to portage of canoes along the river banks (subject to agreeing details of use to ensure the safety of other users).
- The right to cut back vegetation to an extent agreed by the Forestry Commission.
All the above is still subject to planning and other consents being obtained and will need to be carried out to the satisfaction of English Nature, The Environment Agency and any other statutory bodies.
Responsibility for the banks will remain with the Forestry Commission; however canoeists will be responsible for making good any damaged caused while doing any of the above.