Access

This applies to flowing water (rivers) which passes over private land:

Rivers

Landowners own the land and have a right to take water and certain things from the water. They have a right to stop people from going on their land - i.e. trespassers.

According to Douglas Caffyn and published in The Right of Navigation on Non-tidal Rivers and the Common Law, they do not own the water, therefore if you can get down the river without touching the bank, bottom or rocks sitting on the bottom then no trespass. You will also need to either access the river from public land or land to which you have negotiated access. As no one owns the water an access agreement is not needed unless it deals with access to and egress from the water. You need this to touch the banks. We understand that Canoe England support this view if river access in England and Wales. Paddlers are advised by Canoe England to make their own decision as to when and how to enjoy their English river heritage appropriately, based on environmental considerations.

Canals / Navigations - these are owned and managed by the relevant water authorities and you need a permit to use them. BCU membership covers many of these - though some offer permits individually instead or as well - check before you paddle.

Lakes and ponds

Lakes/ponds and enclosed bodies of water - they are owned by whoever owns the land under them (difference that flowing water)

Costal

Coastal tidal - anyone can use but need to check who owns landing sites - access and egress (this is why no permit needed up to Teddington on the Thames as that is the tidal limit.