Post by Hoppy on Dec 26, 2007 15:36:36 GMT -1
Are there enough places in Wales where people can enjoy water-based activities? Do these sites meet your expectations if you want to paddle, fish, sail or simply relax beside a river or lake? Your views on the draft Strategic Plan for Water Related Recreation in Wales are now being sought by Environment Agency Wales, who have commissioned the study from the University of Brighton.
Wales has some of the most appealing water features in the world, attracting people from far and wide. As well as those visiting there are the 3 million residents of Wales, many of whom also want access to water activities.
But does the availability of these sites meet the demand? Are certain activities having a detrimental impact on the environment or on other users? Can they contribute more to our economy and bring health benefits to the people of Wales? These are all questions that the Strategic Plan for Water Recreation in Wales is trying to address.
Over the past year information and ideas have been gathered from many recreation user-groups, sport Governing Bodies for sport and public sector organisations such as the Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry Commission Wales, Welsh Local Government Association, Visit Wales, British Waterways, Sports Council for Wales, National Parks and Welsh Assembly Government.
The Strategic Plan considers the current and future demand for, and supply of, water recreation activities throughout Wales. The Plan identifies innovative actions that will create new opportunities for recreational activity whilst maintaining the environmental value of our aquatic resources.
Many user groups have contributed to produce the draft plan through workshops and meetings earlier in the year and through an on-line blog. There’s now an opportunity for you to comment on it.
You have from now until 27 Jan 2008 to give us your views through the University of Brighton’s website www.brighton.ac.uk/waterrecreation
You can download the draft strategy and consultation information, and your views and ideas will help shape the final strategic plan which will be finalised in February 2008
Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said: I am very keen to promote the wider use of Wales’ superb natural environment for responsible recreation. The draft plan contains an exciting array of potential new opportunities for making use of our rivers, lakes and canals for healthy recreation in the world. I would urge all those interested in using them to respond to this draft plan.”
Environment Agency Wales Director, Chris Mills said: “Wales’ waters are one of the nation’s greatest assets and their use is an important part of our culture. There are opportunities to make more sites and activities available to more people without adversely affecting the main attraction – the high quality environment. We are grateful for the views we have received so far and are now seeking any additional comments on the draft plan.”
Wales has some of the most appealing water features in the world, attracting people from far and wide. As well as those visiting there are the 3 million residents of Wales, many of whom also want access to water activities.
But does the availability of these sites meet the demand? Are certain activities having a detrimental impact on the environment or on other users? Can they contribute more to our economy and bring health benefits to the people of Wales? These are all questions that the Strategic Plan for Water Recreation in Wales is trying to address.
Over the past year information and ideas have been gathered from many recreation user-groups, sport Governing Bodies for sport and public sector organisations such as the Countryside Council for Wales, Forestry Commission Wales, Welsh Local Government Association, Visit Wales, British Waterways, Sports Council for Wales, National Parks and Welsh Assembly Government.
The Strategic Plan considers the current and future demand for, and supply of, water recreation activities throughout Wales. The Plan identifies innovative actions that will create new opportunities for recreational activity whilst maintaining the environmental value of our aquatic resources.
Many user groups have contributed to produce the draft plan through workshops and meetings earlier in the year and through an on-line blog. There’s now an opportunity for you to comment on it.
You have from now until 27 Jan 2008 to give us your views through the University of Brighton’s website www.brighton.ac.uk/waterrecreation
You can download the draft strategy and consultation information, and your views and ideas will help shape the final strategic plan which will be finalised in February 2008
Jane Davidson, Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing said: I am very keen to promote the wider use of Wales’ superb natural environment for responsible recreation. The draft plan contains an exciting array of potential new opportunities for making use of our rivers, lakes and canals for healthy recreation in the world. I would urge all those interested in using them to respond to this draft plan.”
Environment Agency Wales Director, Chris Mills said: “Wales’ waters are one of the nation’s greatest assets and their use is an important part of our culture. There are opportunities to make more sites and activities available to more people without adversely affecting the main attraction – the high quality environment. We are grateful for the views we have received so far and are now seeking any additional comments on the draft plan.”