Green Spaces

Did you know a contribution of membership income is passed onto the waterway authority? As paddlers the environment and waterways are vitally important to us.

Part of the joy of paddling is being immersed in nature and wildlife.

We're committed to helping protect these special places and seeking greater public access to water for recreation.

By becoming a member of Paddle UK you're supporting the work we do with our partners to coordinate national projects. We also campaign to improve access and protect our waterways and the environment.

Waterways Protection

The waterway authorities carry out a vast range of work to ensure our waterways are maintained. A few of the important jobs they do are:

• Remove invasive non-native species including floating pennywort which can clog entire waterways in days
• Remove flood debris so you can paddle safely down the river
• Install check, clean, dry points to help stop the spread of invasive non-native species
• Maintain put-ins and take-outs on the waterways and repair bank damage.
• Plus a whole host of other things too… paddle responsibly and make sure you've got your waterways licence!

All of our new members will automatically become a digital member (Go Green), reducing the membership cards and packs issued.

Existing members are able to switch to digital membership.

You'll get instant access to all your membership benefits and a digital card.

If you delete it accidentally you can log into the Hub's dashboard and download another to your phone. Easy.

Membership of Paddle UK continues to help fund Big Paddle Cleanup kits.

Clear Access, Clear Waters

This is Paddle UK's campaign for fair, shared, sustainable open access for all.

We are lobbying and developing resources and information to drive this area of work. The campaign's aim is not only to seek greater public access to water for recreation but also to secure the protection of our natural environment.

We believe the waterways of England and Wales should be open for all to access, for sustainable recreational pursuits. Here are a couple of things you can do to further support this campaign and help support us to make a greater impact.

• Contact your MP: We are asking the Government to review the current policy toward access to waters in England and Wales.
• Organise a cleanup: Become a champion of your waterways by organising a local on-the-water clean-up. We've got resources and information to help you coordinate this.
• Check, Clean, Dry: Help us to stop the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) from one waterway to another. By thoroughly checking, cleaning and drying your paddling clothing and equipment.

Campaigning for cleaner water

We keep Paddle UK members updated on information about what we do. Paddle UK is part of the End Sewage Pollution Coalition calling for an end to sewage discharge into our waters.

We also joined six other national governing bodies calling for clean open water for people to enjoy what they love. The Clean Water Sports Alliance are asking for healthy and nature-rich blue spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Remember…Don’t get sick doing what you love.