How can you protect a river while using it? Keep to the paths and launch points, take care not to move living things between waters, and leave the bank as you found it.
This applies to kayaking, white water rafting, gorge walking and paddleboarding, and to anyone fishing or swimming. The same habits protect the water for everyone who comes after you.
Check, Clean, Dry
Kit that has been in one river can carry tiny animals, plants and diseases into the next one. Invasive species such as signal crayfish and killer shrimp can damage river life for years. The national campaign for this is called Check, Clean, Dry.
- Check your kit, clothing and boots for mud, weeds and small animals.
- Clean everything with fresh water, or hot water where you can, and leave anything you find at the place you found it.
- Dry it thoroughly before you use it somewhere else, if you can.
If you are a group using hire kit, ask your provider how they do this between sessions. Good providers will have a routine and will be happy to explain it.
Banks and launch points
Riverbanks are fragile. Use the access points your provider suggests, because trampling the same bank over and over can cause erosion. Do not pull plants or break branches to get a boat or board through. Take care near spawning gravels in autumn and winter, which your guide may mention.
Litter and waste
- Bring a bag for rubbish and take it home
- Pick up what you see, even if it is not yours
- Avoid single use plastics on a water day, because they blow and float away easily
- Do not wash soap, shampoo or sun cream into the water
Water quality
Water quality can change, especially after heavy rain. Providers normally make the call on whether it is safe to go in. If you are swimming or paddling by choice, check local information first. Surfers Against Sewage runs a service that shares sewage release alerts for many beaches and rivers. Read our water activity safety guide too.
Access
Rules about where you can paddle differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In England and Wales you often need permission or a licence. Our guide to outdoor access explains the basics.
In short:
- Check, Clean, Dry your kit between waters
- Use proper launch points and protect the bank
- Take rubbish home and keep soap out of the water