Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment (Submitted to Ribble Life) Purpose The purpose of this report is to identify what Canoeing & Kayaking (hereafter referred to as “paddling”) has been carried out in the past, what is happening currently and what opportunities may be created in the future. Information has been produced from empirical evidence and from the results of a survey in September/October 2012 plus information found at www.UKRiversGuideBook.com whose contributors may or may not be affiliated to any club or Canoe England. The website is not updated on a regular basis and the views expressed are sometimes at odds with mainstream thinking by other paddlers. The locations of access and egress points are worth noting although in many cases are only suitable for a small group of paddlers. The contributors do however mention the dates or times of year that they paddled. Examples of the postings on the UK Rivers Guide are listed in Appendix 1A To aid the process, the catchment has been divided into rivers, and for the Ribble, into sections to reflect its character and types of use. The sources of information used are listed in Appendix 2 The CE Regional Waterways Advisor has supplied data for the various rivers; this is contained in Appendix 3 along with a list of what is good and bad about each section/river.

Environmental Considerations - Canoe England have produced a leaflet “You your Canoe & the Environment” and distributed to all CE members and interested parties, the leaflet can be accessed by following the link http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/media/pdf/youyourenv0206_lr.pdf Canoeists in general are mindful that they do not knowingly do anything to harm the environment and only paddle when water levels are appropriate.

Code of Conduct for River Users. Canoe Clubs publish a code of conduct based on a template provided by Canoe England. Appendix 4 is the one adopted by Ribble Canoe Club. It can also be viewed by visiting http://ribblecanoeclub.co.uk/policies.html

Canoe England Position Statement this can be accessed by following the link http://www.canoeengland.org.uk/media/pdf/AA%20Position%20Statement%208%20June%202012%20.pdf

The types of craft paddled on the rivers:

• • •

Kayaks (closed cockpit) Canoes (open cockpit, often referred to as Open Boats) Sit on Tops - We have not had any responses to our survey from anyone stating they use this type of craft. Sit on tops tend to be used by anglers and casual and unaffiliated paddlers’.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 2 Access and egress points Appendix 10 lists the various access egress points with grid reference. These have been identified on the maps that follow it. Frequency of use & time of year From the survey replies only a handful of paddlers currently use the River Ribble on a regular basis. We only had one reply from Clitheroe Canoe Club members; they advised that Clitheroe Canoe Club use the Calder on a regular basis when water levels are suitable. The other rivers appear to have no regular use by paddlers and in general the rivers are used during the winter months when water levels are suitable. During the summer months there is often not sufficient water. The Ribble and Calder are viewed as good “fall back rivers” as they retain the water levels longer than other rivers in the area.

The Rivers River Hodder The Hodder is very rarely used because of fear of confrontation. Only the very determined have bothered in the past. Access can be gained at Burholme Bridge (left Bank, upstream) and egressed at Higher Hodder Bridge (Right Bank, downstream). Both of these points are on public rights of way but there is no parking available. Many paddlers would love to take a trip down the river and experience the joy of its location and scenery. In the words of a contributor “This is a beautiful touring river (ideal for open canoeing) flowing through 'remote' countryside well away from roads and houses. It is on a par with the Eden in North Cumbria”. For a sample of paddlers comments & UK Rivers Guide postings see Appendix 1A

River Calder Despite being of sometimes dubious water quality, this river is paddled. In the past there was a plan to develop a Canoe Slalom Facility at the weir in Padiham. This never happened. The river is used by a local Commercial Paddling Organisation and Canoe Clubs when water levels are appropriate. Details of access and use are contained in Appendix 3. For a sample of paddlers comments & UK Rivers Guide postings see Appendix 1B . The section from Martholme viaduct to Whalley is paddled regularly by Clitheroe Canoe Club members. River Darwen From a canoe touring perspective, this river does not even rate a mention on the UKRiversGuideBook, which gives an indication of its popularity. This is partly down to its historic poor water quality and rubbish strewn banks. There are also problems associated with lack of physical access, several weirs and the general lack of attractiveness due to the fact it runs through industrial and urban landscapes for much of its length. There are some sections which run through open countryside between Feniscowles and Higher Walton on land owned by Hoghton Tower Estates. This section of river would possibly be worth paddling at the right water levels if permission and access could be arranged.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 3 A respondent to a recent survey, mentioned that Blackburn & Darwen Borough Council were working on a “Witton Park Master Plan” and were investigating the potential of developing a “Park & Paddle Area” on the River Darwen running through the park (Grid Ref SD660270). Upstream of the Park much of the land is owned by the Council and permission to use the river may not be a problem. Appendix 1B contains paddlers’ comments on this section. In the 1980’s, members of Ribble Canoe Club obtained permission to use the section of river adjacent to and owned by The Bannister Hall Works at Higher Walton. Grid Ref SD577276. A litter clean-up of the banks and took place and temporary slalom gates were installed for local paddlers to practice slalom techniques. Vandalism and constant bank erosion and litter deposition meant that its use stopped within a few weeks. A little further upstream at a point where there is a public footpath crossing the river by footbridge, Euxton Canoe Club also set up a set of slalom training gates. Grid Ref SD586279. The parking for this site was at the bottom of Potter lane which runs off Cuerdale Lane at Walton Le Dale.

River Douglas (And Yarrow) The river starts off in a built up urban area around Wigan and then passes through flat agricultural land before reaching the Ribble Marshes approximately 6km before the Estuary. The gradient is gentle and there are no reported sections of white-water paddling. Some respondents to the survey said that they had paddled it, by coming upstream from the Ribble and only paddled as far as the first canal lock on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. A contributor to ukriversguidebook.com stated that he had paddled the river from the confluence with the River Yarrow to the A565 in order to egress after a short trip down the River Yarrow from a bridge on the B5250 just North of Eccleston. The CE Regional Waterways Advisor has information stating that paddlers have used this river in conjunction with the Leeds Liverpool Canal to do circular tours: (1)

Martland Mill Lane (Wigan) to Parbold. Down the river and up the canal. See Appendix 10 for the various transit points from river to canal.

(2)

Rufford Station to the Sea Lock on the river and back up the canal. Needs tide timing and the sea lock is a very difficult get out. Appendix 10

River Ribble “The Ribble is a very important river for canoeing” – Chris Cleaver CENW Region Waterways Advisor The work undertaken by Rev Douglas Caffyn demonstrates that the River Ribble is an ancient navigation and therefore there is a common law right for anyone to use it for recreational boating. Appendix 5 Is an extraction of the evidence he used to arrive at his conclusion. For a more detailed explanation visit his website www.caffynonrivers.co.uk If you visit the Harris Museum in Preston you will probably find photographs taken around the Edwardian Era showing people in rowing boats on the river around Avenham & Millar Park areas. The boats were rented out from a boathouse just downstream of the “Continental Pub.” The boathouse was sold in the 1950/60’s and became a garage now called “The Mini Centre.”

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 4 In more recent times there is empirical evidence that the river has been used for paddling by Kayaks and Canoes. In the late 1970’s Ribble Canoe Club was started by PE teachers working at Penwortham Holme. They were known to launch kayaks from Penwortham Holme and paddle on the river at suitable states of the tide and river flow. Later on the club started to use a section of river at Alston for delivering training and assessment leading to BCU qualifications. This ceased in the 1990’s when the farmland used for access changed hands and access permission was withdrawn. Access then moved to the opposite bank at Balderstone and continued until around 2002, when residential development of a barn led to access being withdrawn. There is some speculation about the fact that this section of river may have had an old Drove Ford across it and should not have been fenced off.

Paddling Events To our knowledge there have not been any in recent years. We believe this is in the main due to lack of suitable access/egress including lack of car parking near to the points of access/egress. In the past the Scouts organised races from Edisford Bridge to Ribchester. In the early 1980’s Ribble Canoe Club organised a sponsored tour from Ribchester to Tram Bridge Preston. This was followed by a mini slalom event using the area around Tram Bridge. Funds were raised for the Building of Holme Pierrepont National Canoe Site at Nottingham. Wigan Canoe Club on behalf of Canoe England organised an annual “Ribble Cruise”. Appendix 6 shows how the river/section is used by paddlers Ribble Canoe Club and other groups like the Scouts, also paddled the river from Edisford Bridge Clitheroe down to a point just below the B6245 road bridge upstream of Ribchester. Vehicles were parked at the public car park at Edisford Bridge for access, and on the land belonging to the then “De-Tabley Arms at the egress point. In the 1970’/90’s there was an annual Charity Raft Race which started at Balderstone and continued on to the Tram Bridge in Preston. This egress point is no longer reachable by road and so the race had to end. (Tram Road has been closed to traffic and turned into a Bridal/Cycle Path).

Sections of the Ribble paddled currently and in the past A recent survey appendix 6 has shown that different people have paddled various sections from Helwith Bridge above Settle to the estuary at Lytham, which is virtually the whole of the navigable part of the river. Some of these sections have difficult access & egress and there are well known problems of hostility from some anglers and landowners. Therefore use of the river tends to be only by the more determined of paddlers. There is empirical evidence to show that the upper part of the Ribble between Helwith Bridge, Stainforth Falls & Settle has been paddled in the past. Stainforth Falls was used by current members of Ribble Canoe Club in the past, and a recent survey has shown that there are still paddlers launching at Helwith Bridge and paddling down to Settle. At Helwith Bridge there is a car park operated by Horton Parish Council. The council received a request from local canoeist to refrain from erecting a height barrier on this car park as it would prevent cars with canoes on the roof from entering the car park. The council agreed a compromise to erect a section of barrier that could be unlocked so that canoeists can continue to use the car park.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 5 This information came to light when an email was received by the report compilers from David Tayler, Deputy Director, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The email is within Appendix 2. The most popular section for paddling is from Edisford Bridge to Ribchester Bridge. At Edisford Bridge there is public car parking and access is available over public land. At Ribchester Bridge parking was available at the former DeTabley Arms. This has now been sold for residential development and parking is no longer available at this site. The nearest egress point is further downstream at Ribchester Village where there is a public car park. The physical access at both locations is relatively easy. However, there have been instances of confrontation from landowners and anglers on the Edisford Bridge to Ribchester section in the past.

Establishing a canoe trail There is a strong desire to use the river for paddling. This has been demonstrated by the responses in the survey, 100% of the replies indicated that they would use a canoe trail if one were set up. The section that should have the least amount of conflict from other users is likely to be from The Brockholes LWT Site or Bridge Inn London Road to The Sea Cadet HQ in Preston. This should also bring in some interest from spectators who are walking along the new Guild Wheel or simply strolling through Avenham Park. The other possible section would be from Edisford Bridge down to Ribchester. Access/egress should not be an issue, but no doubt there would be a lot of opposition from other users, in particular anglers.

What would be needed/ desirable in order to make it a really great and well-used facility?

• • •

Access/Egress Points with parking & toilets & suitable launching facilities i.e. steps, sloping bank or concrete/stone ramp, floating pontoon or beach. Signage to demonstrate to the public the legitimate right to use the trail. Along the route – physical access to existing facilities e.g. Avenham Park Pavilion (café & toilets).

Conclusion The Ribble Catchment is vastly underused as a recreational resource compared to other rivers in England for two very obvious reasons. Access & Egress Problems. There are very few suitable access & egress points where car parking and physical access are in the same place. Physical access is often prevented by the state of the bank or because the bank is privately owned. In the lower section of the Ribble around Preston, river banks have been built up to prevent flooding, this unfortunately means that there is a vertical drop to reach the water. The only way this can be overcome is by provision of some kind of launching ramp, steps, pontoons etc. Intimidation by Anglers & Landowners. There have been many instances where paddlers have been subjected to intimidation. The result is that paddlers are reluctant to use the river again.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 6 Appendix 1A, B & C are samples of replies received from a recent survey. The sentiments expressed are fairly typical. Below are two examples of efforts made in 2001 by Chris Cleaver CENW Region Waterways Advisor to minimise confrontation and secure Access for paddling on the River Ribble

•

A group from Clitheroe Canoe Club was challenged by a bailiff on the upper river and letters written asking for discussion on an access agreement Appendix 7A & 7B

•

EA sold Balderstone Fishery asked for protection of canoeing Appendix 8

There have also been times when paddlers have encountered anglers who have been friendly and accommodating, but obviously these rarely get reported. There are many issues to be resolved before we will see the improvements we all seek in the Ribble Catchment. From the perspective of someone who has a keen interest in recreational use of the river, the two biggest problems appear to be:

• •

Lack of physical access to the river bank and water’s edge especially access close to suitable vehicle parking. The widely held view that some of the sections of the rivers are the private domain of landowners and anglers. Attempts to partake in recreational pursuits such as walking or paddling in such places would result in confrontation.

An email was received from the assistant manager of Hothersall Lodge …. At present we only use the walking journey experience, but would like the opportunity to use the local rivers to create the water based journey, again this would create a powerful and possibly unique experience in their life. We have in the past journeyed down the river Ribble from DeTabley Bridge to the meander in the river near our Centre (SD629388), but these haven’t taken place for at least 8 years and only took place once or twice a year. Each time we got agreements from land owners, but when the journey took place conflict always occurred from people on the bank, sometimes aggressively, therefore these journeys were stopped. “If a canoe trail was to be created on the river Ribble and its tributaries because of potential reduction in conflict, legal support and access points, Hothersall Lodge would positively start to use them with local groups. We can then use the river as an outdoor classroom, promote local and national issues, embed sustainability as a way of life, discuss reductions in fish stock, report incidents through kick sample testing , photograph litter, pollution, erosion, broken fences, escaping animals, illegal fishing, etc. all in potential remote areas…. “Appendix 9 shows the complete content of the email from Deputy Manager Hothersall Lodge. Whilst carrying out our survey of river users, it soon became obvious that the seaward end of the River Douglas is in a poor state of health. Users reported that the water had a bad smell and there was a lot of litter around. There were also fallen trees blocking the river to water borne traffic. They said they would never use the river again. It may be coincidence but if you look at a map you will see that there are very few recreational opportunities along this stretch of river, other than a right of way for walkers between Tarleton and Hesketh Bank. So if there is little or no access for paddling, and the banks are largely inaccessible on foot, then who would know if someone was polluting the river let alone report it. If there are fallen trees are they posing a flood risk, should they be removed before a flood happens? Without access by the public noone is aware of the existence of the risk.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 7 This situation is a hindrance to attempts to clean up the river environment for the following reason. The general public could be recruited as environmental spies monitoring the state of our waterways and the environment and reporting problems to the relevant authority. If the general public have greater access they will also take greater interest in and greater ownership of the environment. If they have little or no access then they will have little or no interest in improving it. Currently is it a case of out of sight out of mind? Of paddlers’ replies, only three people indicated that they currently use the Ribble due to fear of aggressive behaviour towards them by others. In particular organisations and individuals are unwilling to take children in their care on the river and allow them to be subjected to the possibility of aggressive behaviour towards them. There is a strong desire to use the river for paddling; this has been demonstrated by the responses in the survey, 100% of the replies indicated that they would use a canoe trail if one were set up. It would be great if we could come to an arrangement of sharing the rivers with other users. This could be achieved if all parties were ready to accept that the rivers should have multi use and they were willing to work in collaboration with other users. CE and its members are keen to work in partnership with other organisations including angling clubs and conservation bodies to ensure the natural environment is protected. As a result, we wish to see the river and its associated waterways used in a sustainable manner for the benefit of ALL interests including the local communities. It is essential that we create a clear line of communication and a willingness to understand the needs of each activity if we are ever to establish equitable, shared use.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 8 Appendix 1A Paddlers Comments & UK Rivers Guide Postings The Hodder The following is an extract from the web site “UK RiversGuideBook.com” and perhaps sums up the situation with the Hodder. Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 January 2011 12:57 Written by David Leedham (Kendal, Cumbria).

GUIDE TO THE RIVER HODDER (Burholme Bridge to Higher Hodder Bridge) WHERE IS IT? North Lancashire near Clitheroe. PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: A careful examination of the relevant OS map will show two or three unobtrusive access points but I have accessed from Burholme Bridge (left Bank, upstream) and egressed at Higher Hodder Bridge (Right Bank, downstream). Both of these points are on public rights of way. Probably best to be changed and ready to go preferably with a kind person to drop off and pick up. TIME NEEDED: 2-3 hours? GRADING: 1 - 2. ACCESS HASSLES: Apparently very difficult, jealously guarded by fishing interests but I have had no incidents on the two occasions I have paddled (both times in the dark days of December). GENERAL DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful touring river (ideal for open canoeing) flowing through 'remote' countryside well away from roads and houses. It is on a par with the Eden in North Cumbria. No detail is required as there is only one small rocky drop halfway through the trip. OTHER NOTES: I am really hoping that this entry will open a debate. I do not know of a comparable quality touring river with greater access problems. I am 47 years old and am not prepared to wait for the slow wheels of government and natural justice to allow access to this beautiful river. CONTRIBUTED BY: David Leedham (Kendal, Cumbria). Read in Community forum [1 reply] forum Hide Community Forum Comments on this Article Refresh Posts Re: RIVER HODDER (Burholme Bridge to Higher Hodder Bridge) -- jonatkinson Wednesday, 27 June 2012 19:33 Well done and thanks for posting this, it's encouraging and inspiring. The Hodder is a beautiful river. I've walked most of it and at times have been anxious of and encountered pretty extreme territorial attitudes though it has always been more than worth it anyway. I would utterly love to canoe down it sometime and would actually like to do it in summer low water, though realise it would involve a lot of portage. I'm completely new to canoeing and know and love the Hodder through fishing it so have appreciation of the conflicts of wishes of the beings that frequent it. I don't want to spoil anyone's day by disturbing a salmon pool or spooking some trout but though I realise my passage is likely to cause some momentary inconvenience to humans and none humans alike no lasting harm is done and anyone not willing to share the earth with others in passing might learn something from the passage of a paddler or two. We all have a right to this kind of beauty and rivers belong to everyone and no-one.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 9 Appendix 1B The River Calder

Never had any issues with confrontation, but I understand that there are issues with the landowner at Martholme viaduct so I know avoid it and use Altham bridge.

Water quality is rather questionable, but the features are good for coaching on. Car parking at all the access points except Whalley is poor. Water quality a bit dubious, need to be able to dodge a few washing machines.

Used to access the Ribble. In decent conditions, river can be a fun grade2/3.

The following information is extracted from UkRiversguidebook.com (Martholme Viaduct to Ribchester) PUT-INS/ TAKE-OUTS: When I paddled this river we got on underneath Martholme Viaduct (GR752339, Landranger 103, 1:50,000) and got out at the De-Tabley Arms, Ribchester (GR667357) after joining the River Ribble. The trip could be shortened by about five and a half miles if you got out under the road bridge on river right, at Whalley, after the large, sloping weir. There is a rough footpath which leads up to the main road which runs through Whalley. In Whalley there is a car park. The river, when we ran it, was littered with debris from an earlier flood. This included a shopping trolley and parts of a car. So do be careful if swimming.

Darwen “Many years ago, I recced this with Andy Noblett and we started paddling it from Witton Park in Blackburn, but it was so polluted and water level was so low we gave up after 200 metres! There are some interesting sections and some big weirs. I have heard stories of people who have paddled some of the tunnel sections in Blackburn, but this may be fiction!”

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 10 Appendix 1C

Ribble “I use the section from Ribchester Bridge to Ribchester village fairly regularly for initial moving water training for open boaters. I also use the site below the school in Ribchester village. I know of a couple of people who regularly paddle around Settle, they are local to that area”. The section between Edisford Bridge and Ribchester, in my opinion this is the best white water section but leads to un-pleasant confrontation with anglers “The Ribble catchment is subject to restrictive practices by anglers/landowners. Most problems are angling related, and are extremely severe. I have been threatened with (and subjected to) physical violence on many occasions e.g. Near Calder confluence: Offensive & abusive language plus the threat of having bricks thrown. Samlesbury: Stones thrown. Brockholes Brow, Tickled Trout area by the Bridge over the river: Offensive & abusive language. London Road Bridge: Offensive & abusive language and threat of using ballbearing gun on us. This is why I’ve not paddled the Ribble since 2006, prior to this I used to paddle it around 15 times a year.” Access to the river from Brockholes site, with a view to a downstream canoe trail to London Road/Avenham would be a good project aimed at 'non paddlers' to access water with the help of commercial renters also supplying boats and providing shuttles it has a business/financial aspect given there are several outdoor companies in the area it could make financial sense for them. The access gained could also be the egress for more experienced or adventurous upstream paddlers, it would also give access to Samlesbury weir. A canoe trail upstream of Brockholes would in effect just be an access agreement but may encourage a few 'out of town' paddlers to try it as a multi/2 day trip (a Lancashire River Wye or Spey) if more camping was available downstream of Edisford . Hothersall lodge with farmers’ access would be ideal, it has toilets/camping/some parking, but they would need to show interest. There may be farmers in the area that may offer camping Hothersall Hall Farm (SD632 346) and there's a B&B near the river between Hothersall and Ribchester with public footpath from the river (SD 643 346) With hassle free access it would be open to rafted canoe/raft trips for people with disabilities/wheelchairs. There are play spots at Mitton Bridge, Marles wood/Dinkley, Balderstone, Samlesbury weir. Note: Marles wood may be owned by Lancashire County Council.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 11 Appendix 2 Sources of Information Canoe England (CE) NW Regional Waterways Advisor CE Local Waterways Advisors for the Ribble Catchment CE Lancashire Local Coaching Officer CE literature Rev Douglas Caffyn www.caffynonrivers.co.uk Local Canoe Clubs Results of survey completed by 50+ paddlers from local canoe clubs Local Commercial Operators: Calder Canoe Centre [email protected] Education Centres: Hothersall Lodge [email protected] Preston Sea Cadets: Sam Rawcliffe [email protected] UK Rivers Guide Book

www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk

Email Confirming Canoe Access at Helwith Bridge – River Ribble Sent: Monday, 5 November 2012, 15:36 Subject: RE: Car Park Modifications for canoeists Hello Pat The car park is at Helwith Bridge (SD 812695) and belongs to Hanson Aggregates as it is attached to a disused quarry now flooded and used as a trout fishing lake. They are in the process of transferring it to Horton Parish Council and re-furbishing it with new picnic tables, re-surfacing and filling potholes, zoning it better, providing interpretation and encouraging management of the rich grassland adjacent. There is an apparent issue with overnight vehicles there and local residents have requested the installation of a height barrier to prevent high vehicles from gaining entry. However, local canoeists have pointed out that this would prevent people with canoes loaded on the car roofs from accessing the car park for exiting the river. It would also presumably obstruct other high vehicles ie tractors, ambulances. The Parish Clerk informed me several months ago that this will be resolved by the provision of a lockable, swinging top barrier which could be opened to allow bona fide users access to the car park. I must add that none of this has actually happened yet! I hope this gets to you in time! Kind regards, Dave David Tayler Deputy Director, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Old Post Office, Main St, Clapham, LA2 8DP Tel 015242 51002, www.ydmt.org

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 12 Appendix 3 River Usage This is an extract from informal surveys conducted amongst attendees Canoe England NW Regional Canoe Access meetings. The results for 2000 were completed by post, 2008 via the internet. Year

2000

2003

2005

2006

2007

2008

2011

Paddlers responded Days paddling on river in NW Ribble above Clitheroe Ribble below Clitheroe Hodder Calder Darwen Douglas

55 772 19 59 6 34 0 8

17 63 0 9 0 1 0 2

35 179 0 18 0 9 3 5

34 137 0 0 0 0 0 7

15 119 0 6 1 2 0 1

87 1191 10 19 2 69 2 11

25 237 2 14 1 21 0 4

From a paddling perspective the good and not so good along each River/Section River/Section of River River Hodder

River Calder

River Darwen

River Douglas

River Ribble Upper section: from its source to Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe. River Ribble: Edisford Bridge to The Brockholes LWT Site. River Ribble: The Brockholes LWT Site to the Sea Cadet HQ (100 metres downstream of the Liverpool Rd Bridge Preston River Ribble: Sea Cadet HQ to the Sea.

Paddlers Comments Good scenery No suitable access.

Water Quality Good

Car Parking None

Potential Hazards None Identified

Poor

Limited

River Debris

Poor

Limited

Several Weirs

Limited

Good

Poor on tidal section Good

Good sections of grade 2 rapids

Good

Good

good at Edisford Limited above Good

Debris & Fallen Trees on tidal section Water Falls & Weirs

Good scenery & potential play spots

Good

Fair

Good

Tidal lower down. Vertical flood defence banks/walls

Suitable for Sea Kayaking

Good

Fair to Poor

Good

Timing the state of the tide to coincide with landing

Good local river for beginners, improvers & coaching Very poor access

Suitable for round trip using canal for return Jealously guarded by Anglers

Water Flow Can only be paddled after high rainfall Can only be paddled after high rainfall Can only be paddled after high rainfall Reasonable

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Weirs

Page 13 Appendix 4 RIBBLE CANOE CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT It is the policy of Ribble Canoe Club that all paddlers, volunteers, coaches and parents show respect and understanding for each other and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club. The aim is for all paddlers to improve performance and have fun. Everyone involved in the Club should abide by the Club Rules and Policies.

Paddlers

• • • • •

Take care of all property belonging to the club or club members Treat other club members with respect at all times — on and off the water — treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated yourself Control tempers and avoid behaviour which may inconvenience or upset others Show respect to others when changing in public places Co-operate and listen to your coach or club officials

Club Officials, Coaches and Volunteers

• • • • • • • •

Consider the wellbeing and safety of paddlers before the development of performance Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance Follow BCU and club guidelines and policies Hold the appropriate, up-dated qualifications and insurance Encourage paddlers to value their performance and not just results Never condone the use of prohibited substances

Parents/Guardians

• • • • • • •

Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results Never force your child to take part in sport Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes Publicly accept official’s judgements Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport Use correct and proper language at all times Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 14 Appendix 5 Rev Douglas Caffyn The following is taken from part of the work of Rev Doug Caffyn for his Master of Law Thesis.

NW 5 River Ribble Tidal limit. Preston. B. Ribchester. 10 miles. 33 m3s-1. RLU. Settle. 45 miles. 7 m3s-1. 1.7 P&R. C. An old British canoe was discovered at Settle.1087 There were several ferries between Settle and Ribchester.1088 A log boat was found in the bed of the river at Ribchester.1089 At Anchor Hill near to the Roman fort at Ribchester there have been discoveries of ‘Anchors and great quantities of iron pins of all sizes for ships or barges.’1090 1476. A weir was opened up to allow the passage of eight-oared boats with 8 ft. Oars.1091 most weirs are on the non-tidal part of the river. 1087 Frederic Riley, the Ribble from its Source to the Sea. Manchester: John Heywood Ltd. 1914, 55. 1088 Ibid. pages 125, 127, 133, and 155. 1089 Sean McGrail, Log boats of England and Wales, Part (i). National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Archaeological Series No. 2, BAR British Series 51 (i). 1978, 264. 1090 James Ellis Jones, The Maritime and Riverine Landscape of the West of Roman Britain. BAR British Series 493. 2009. 1091 TNA, DL 37/51 ms. 3. Cited in Robert Somerville, History of the Duchy of Lancaster. Volume 1. London: The Chancellor and Council of the Duchy of Lancaster. 1953, 313.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 15 Appendix 6

How the Rivers are used by paddlers (results from the survey) Types of Use by River – Paddlers may use for more than one purpose River Hodder

Coaching/ Training

Touring

Playing

No reported usage since 1995

River Calder

30%

River Darwen

100%

15%

No reported usage since 1997

River Douglas

100%

River Ribble

14%

55%

31%

Sections of the Ribble Catchment paddled currently and in the past (results from the Survey) Note: No responses from casual users or educational establishments River/Section of River

Clubs/Organisations Individuals Commercial

River Hodder

None

Yes

None

River Calder

Yes

Yes

Yes

River Darwen

None

Yes

None

River Douglas

Yes

Yes

None

None

Yes

None

River Ribble: Edisford Bridge to The Brockholes LWT Site.

Yes

Yes

Yes

River Ribble: The Brockholes LWT Site to the Sea Cadet HQ (100 metres downstream of the Liverpool Rd Bridge Preston

Yes

Yes

None

None

Yes

None

River Ribble Upper section: from its source to Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe.

River Ribble: Sea Cadet HQ to the Sea.

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 16 Appendix 7A

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 17 Appendix 7B

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 18 Appendix 8

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 19 Appendix 9

Hothersall Lodge Hothersall Lodge Field Studies and Outdoor Activities Centre has been a valued member of the Ribble Valley Community for over fifty years. We are part of Lancashire Outdoor Education, which is owned by Lancashire County Council, facilitating high quality outdoor experiences for people from Lancashire. We are also a fully accessible centre, which is used by all age groups and abilities, including those with complex disability needs. Our goals for any Outdoor trip to Hothersall Lodge is to help people develop a greater understanding about themselves, the world around them and where they are within a team setting. These goals are met through either the residential experience or day activities, but these core values run through everything we do. A memorable and powerful part of any outdoor experience is the journey. Going from one place to another, how things change, what you pass and see, the events that happen, the conversations that are created, the shared positive experience, etc. On any trip to Hothersall Lodge we look at the environment and place value on every bodies reasonability to look after the land. We regularly take along rubbish bags; collect up litter to show stewardship for the land, and through river studies of local tributaries we have reported pollution incidents to the Environment agency. At present we only use the walking journey experience, but would like the opportunity to use the local rivers to create the water based journey, again this would create a powerful and possibly unique experience in their life. We have in the past journeyed down the river Ribble from Datable Bridge to the meander in the river near our Centre (SD629388), but these haven’t taken place for at least 8 years and only took place once or twice a year. Each time we got agreements from land owners, but when the journey took place conflict always occurred from people on the bank, sometimes aggressively, therefore these journeys were stopped. If a canoe trail was to be created on the river Ribble and its tributaries because of potential reduction in conflict, legal support and access points, Hothersall Lodge would positively start to use them with local groups. We can then use the river as an outdoor classroom, promote local and national issues, embed sustainability as a way of life, discuss reductions in fish stock, report incidents through kick sample testing , photograph litter, pollution, erosion, broken fences, escaping animals, illegal fishing, etc. all in potential remote areas. If you have any question about what we do or can offer, please feel free to contact me at Hothersall Lodge on 01254 878422 or [email protected]. Billy Lo Deputy Manager Hothersall Lodge

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 20 Appendix 10 Map References followed by maps showing locations. To enlarge a map, click and drag from one of the corners

River Ribble No. Location Name 1 Helwith Bridge Near Settle 2 Stainforth Force 3 Settle Bridge 4 Paythorn Bridge 5 Edisford Bridge 6 Aspinall Arms Mitton 7 Ribchester Bridge (De-Tabley Arms) 8 Ribchester Village 9 Alston /Balderstone (Drove Ford) 10 Brockholes LWT Site 11 Tickled Trout Hotel 12 Bridge Inn London Road Preston 13 Tram Bridge 14 Avenham Park Pavilion 15 Continental Pub 16 Preston Sea Cadet HQ 17 Lytham Green Slipway

Grid Ref. SD 811 695 SD 818 672 SD 816 640 SD 831 513 SD 726 414 SD 716 387 SD 662 356 SD 650 350 SD 614 331 SD 587 313 SD 578 300 SD 552 287 SD 541 286 SD 538 286 SD 534 284 SD 527 289 SD 367 266

River Hodder No. Location Name 18 Burrholme Bridge 19 Higher Hodder Bridge

Grid Ref. SD 658 479 SD 697 411

River Calder No. Location Name 20 Martholme Viaduct 20A Altham Bridge 21 Whalley Weir 21A Cock Bridge

Grid Ref. SD 752 339 SD 773 330 SD 733 359 SD 745 340

River Darwen No. Location Name

Grid Ref.

22 23 24

Witton Park Potter Lane/ Coupe Green Bannister Hall Works

River Douglas/Yarrow No. Location Name 25 First Lock at Tarleton 26 A565 Road Bridge 27 B5250 Road Bridge 28 Rufford Station 29 River Douglas to Leeds Liverpool Canal Transit Point 30 River Douglas to Leeds Liverpool Canal Transit Point 31 River Douglas to Leeds Liverpool Canal Transit Point 32 River Douglas to Leeds Liverpool Canal Transit Point 33 Martland Mill Lane Access/Egress

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

SD 661 270 SD 586 279 SD 581 275

Grid Ref. SD 456 214 SD 460 202 SD 515 178 SD 468 156 SD 489 104 SD 498 102 SD 507 099 SD 529 083 SD 560 069

Page 21 Ribble Access/egress points 1, 2, and 3

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 22

Ribble Access/egress point 4

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 23

Access/egress points 5 & 6

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 24 Ribble Access points 7, 8, and 9

RibbleAccess points 10-16

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 25 Ribble Access points 17, 25, and 26

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 26 Ribble Access points 18 & 19

Ribble Access points 20 &21A Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 27

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 28 Ribble Access points 22, 23, and 24

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 29 Douglas & Yarrow Access points 25-28

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England

Page 30

Douglas Access points 29-33

Canoeing & Kayaking on the Ribble Catchment- Canoe England