RE: [Paddlewise] foot and mouth in the UK

Hi

I live in the NOrth West HIghlands of Scotland (Lochcarron, on the road to
Skye), and work in Inverness (I am Director of the Deer Commission for
Scotland, so Foot and Mouth has been keeping me busy for the past four
weeks).  I am purely a sea kayaker, but have spoken to local river and
freshwater kayakers and canoeists.

Foot and Mouth has not reached the Highlands (yet ... hoping it will remain
like that), but even so access is very limited to river kayakers here and in
the rest of Scotland: many put-ins are across fields with livestock, and
farmers and crofters would be horrified if anyone crossed those areas at the
moment.

Access to fresh water lochs (lakes to non-Scots) is possible in some places,
but as there are usually sheep grazing nearby the general view is that these
put-ins should also be avoided.

That leaves the sea! Many beaches are readily accessible, although again
sheep grazing can be a problem in some cases. I am lucky since I live
directly on Loch Carron and can launch from the beach: there are many such
sites, especially in the Highlands.

ALl this said, the fact is that Scotland is suffering badly from a downturn
in tourism because of Foot and Mouth, and generally people are being
encouraged to use the countryside (including the water) responsibly. The
cardinal rule is ask locally about where it is O.K. to launch (you'd do that
anyway, wouldn't you) and I think you will find most people are reasonable
and willing to help.  A new "Comeback to the Countryside" Code has been
produced which aims to allow recreation without risking a spread of the
infection.  You can see it on my organisation's website(plug,plug) (go to
the News section) at www.dcs.gov.uk. It has other useful links about access
and foot and mouth.

Hope this is useful.

Nick



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Joe Federici
Sent: 26 March 2001 14:27
To: paddlewise
Subject: [Paddlewise] foot and mouth in the UK


I got an e-mail from a friends in the UK who is a active sea and
white water boater. He was explained that with the out break of foot
and mouth has cut off access to many put-in's.
Although I've been seeing things in the news about it, I didn't
really realize how it would impact kayaking. He said most white water
paddling has come to a stop in his area.
I was wondering if any of our UK members could comment more on it.

JFF
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************