Enjoying Water - Strategic Priorities for Water Related Recreation in London and South East England. February 2011

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1 Enjoying Water - Strategic Priorities for Water Related Recreation in London and South East England February 2011 The preparation of these strategic priorities was managed by a steering group comprising representatives from British Waterways (South of England), Central Council for Physical Recreation, Chief Leisure Officers Association, Department of Health South East, Environment Agency, Greater London Authority, Marine South East, Mayor of London s Office Natural England, Natural England, Thames Estuary Partnership, Tourism South East, South East England Partnership Board and Sport England. Prepared by The University of Brighton Contact: Professor Andrew Church University of Brighton School of the Environment and Technology Cockcroft Building Lewes Road Brighton BN2 4GJ Tel: a.church@bton.ac.uk 1

2 Table of contents Page No Contents 3 Executive Summary 7 1.Enjoying Water Vision and purpose 1.1 The vision 1.2 Identifying the strategic priorities The evidence base 1.4 Data analysis and methods Scope 10 2.The importance of enjoying water 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Health and healthy lifestyles 2.3 An inclusive society and cohesive communities Environmental protection and climate change Economic development and regeneration People enjoying water 3.1 Changing population and demand 3.2 Participation and demand by residents and tourists 3.3 Partner views participation and demand 3.4 Summary of participation and demand trends in London and the South East 4.Our waters to enjoy 4.1 Introduction supply and current use 4.2 The physical resource 4.3 Water related recreation activities on London and South East waters 4.4 Accessibility and gaps in provision 4.5 Summary of supply 5. Opportunities and challenges 5.1 The national policy context for enjoying water 5.2 Population growth, aging and health 5.3 Maintaining people s quality of life 5.4 Economic growth and technological change 5.5 Climate change and environmental protection 5.6 A special opportunity the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games 6. Strategic Priorities 6.1 Priorities for Enjoying Water 6.2 Framework priorities 6.3 People priorities 6.4 Places priorities 50 References Appendix 1 Activity Maps Appendix 2 Analysis of participation and demand Appendix 3 Analysis of the supply of water bodies and strategic waters Appendix 4 Analysis of existing strategies and plans 2

3 Executive Summary The Vision More people in London and the South East enjoy new and improved water related recreation contributing to a better quality of life, health and environment. The strategic priorities and related actions outlined in this document will fulfil this vision and have been developed in consultation with a range of national and local partners. The strategic priorities are designed to: Encourage action by a range of interested parties and individuals; deliver well managed, new and better opportunities for more people to enjoy water environments; Tackle some of the issues that arise from changes in the demand for recreation, the supply of water bodies and gaps in provision; Ensure everyone can enjoy water environments. The Steering Group have developed a programme for implementation with measures of success for each of the strategic priorities and related actions. The implementation of the priorities will require local actions by local organisations and communities. Opportunities and challenges Enjoying Water will make a valuable contribution to meeting the key opportunities and challenges facing London and the South East including: Improving health, well being and ageing amongst a growing population; Maintaining people s quality of life and promoting social inclusion; Contributing to economic growth and technological change; Tackling climate change and environmental protection; Delivering the legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. To address these opportunities and challenges it is important to embed the Enjoying Water priorities within key national and local policy initiatives and debates. The Evidence Base The quantitative and qualitative evidence used to develop the strategic priorities included: An audit and mapping analysis of water resources; Content analysis of key national and local policy documents; Desk analysis of existing databases and previous research; Partner interviews; Seven local workshops; A public consultation process. 3

4 The evidence gathering and consultation process reflect the Coalition Government s localism agenda as they were designed to engage with the views of both local and national partners. The main concerns and wishes of partners are reflected in the strategic priorities. The key elements of the evidence base that informed the development of the priorities included information on the following: The potential benefits of water related recreation; Trends in participation and demand; The nature of inland and coastal water resources; Current levels of accessibility to water and gaps in provision; The key goals of relevant national and local policies. The scope Water related recreation activities are defined as those that make direct use of outdoor natural and artificial water resources (coastal and inland). These can be divided into the following categories: Sport and recreation activities that make direct use of water resources such as angling sailing and sub aqua; Land-based sport and recreation activities that are enhanced by proximity to water resources such as walking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching. The benefits of enjoying water Well managed opportunities to enjoy the water environment have a number of positive outcomes, including improved health, social inclusion, environmental protection, economic development and climate change adaptation. Outdoor exercise in blue spaces can help address the health problems arising from inactivity in the UK which costs the NHS 8.3 billion per year. Many forms of water related recreation involve moderate intensity exercise that will be beneficial for health and some require high intensity activity. But more evidence is needed of the specific health benefits of enjoying water environments. Water related recreation offers opportunities for environmental volunteering that can improve community cohesion and, especially amongst young people, can enhance resilience, responsibility and employment chances. Many water sports have developed social inclusion programmes, such as Canoe Paddlability, Calypso Surf Anywhere programme, and Get Hooked on Fishing. People s enjoyment of the water environment can have major economic benefits. In 2006 the UK leisure boating industry employed around 30,000 people and generated 230m per annum in tax revenues. A variety of voluntary, public and private sector organisations successfully manage people s enjoyment of the water environment at very sensitive environmental sites using codes of conduct, permits, short closures, stewardship initiatives and environmental strategies. Similar measures are also used to tackle conflicts but some participants still encounter conflicts with other users in certain locations. 4

5 Participation and demand In London and the South East nearly 4 million adult residents participated in water related recreation in There are considerable outflows of people from London to take part in water related recreation and in 2005 Londoners made 1.8 million trips to a seaside coastline. The population of London and the South east region is predicted to grow in the next twenty years from 16 to over 18 million, with a very significant increase in the over 65 population. Consequently the demand for most forms of water related recreation is likely to grow throughout the region, especially in areas where new housing developments will be concentrated. This will create demand for more access to water environments and pressures on some existing sites. Supply and current use London and the South East has some immensely high quality natural environments that are highly valued by the population. Water is central to the character of some of the most important natural environments and landscapes. Many parts of the region support little recreational access to inland water resources and the potential of some reservoirs has not been utilised. In part this is a result of the lack of surface water and few rivers on the chalk north and south of London. It is also a result of restrictive policies towards recreational access to many of the tributaries of the Thames, along with the main Sussex, Hampshire and Chilterns rivers and to many of the enclosed waters that are available in the region. Many people in the region, especially those living in parts of suburban London, have limited access to water bodies for certain popular activities. For nearly all water related activities there are geographical gaps in provision in parts of the region where access to water resources is limited. The Strategic Priorities The strategic priorities have been divided between: Framework Priorities (FP) - designed to embed Enjoying Water within the key national and local policy initiatives and debates and address a number of provision gaps. People Priorities (PP) - show how more people of all abilities, ages, ethnic groups and social circumstances can take part in water related recreation. Places Priorities (PL) - aim to identify general issues that need addressing and specific places where action is required to improve the existing provision for water related sport and recreation, enhance access to water bodies and watersides, and address specific gaps and shortages in provision. The actions required to deliver the strategic priorities are outlined in section 6 of the main document. 5

6 The 9 strategic priorities are as follows: Framework Priorities (FP) FP 1. Maximise the benefits of the interactions between policies for environmental protection, climate change and water related recreation. FP 2. Embed all forms of water related recreation in national and key local sport, recreation and green infrastructure agendas. FP 3. Promote good practice in resolving recreational conflicts. FP 4. Use opportunities to enjoy the water environment to develop economic growth, tourism and community regeneration. People Priorities (PP) PP 1. Improve people s health and wellbeing through increasing participation in water related recreation. PP 2. Provide better information on accessible water resources for all and changing water conditions. PP 3. Improve school and post 16 education access for young people to enjoy the water environment. Place Priorities (PL) PL 1. Develop an integrated approach to improve access to water especially to doorstep opportunities, reservoirs and the Thames estuary. PL 2. Address gaps in provision for all forms of water related recreation and develop a network of hubs with multi-activity centres, pay and play opportunities, rental equipment and good storage. 6

7 1 Enjoying water - Vision and purpose 1.1 The Vision Enjoying Water - London and South East England These Strategic Priorities aim to provide a set of initiatives and actions that will contribute to the protection and development of opportunities for people to enjoy water in London and South East England. The Vision More people in London and the South East enjoy new and improved water related recreation contributing to a better quality of life, health and environment. This document is designed to be a catalyst, to highlight the value of water related recreation and to identify situations in which people enjoying water can make a contribution to the economy, society and environment of London and South East England (see Figure 1 below for regional boundary). In keeping with the Coalition Government s vision of the Big Society 1, the Strategic Priorities are inclusive and promote local community involvement: any organisations or people with an interest in water related recreation can get involved in making the actions happen - and in suggesting new actions. The implementation of the priorities will require local actions by local organisations and communities. The Steering Group, is chaired by the Environment Agency and comprises British Waterways (South of England), Central Council for Physical Recreation, Chief Leisure Officers Association, Greater London Authority, Marine South East, Mayor of London s Office Natural England, Thames Estuary Partnership, Tourism South East, SE England Partnership Board, South East Public Health - Well Being South East and Sport England. Figure 1 Project Boundary for Strategic Priorities for London and the South East 7

8 The Steering Group partners have worked with the consultants to develop the Strategic Priorities, and have committed to lead some of the actions and to monitor progress. The Steering Group have now developed an implementation programme containing measures of success which should be read with this document. Despite the economic climate, the implementation of the strategic priorities is possible as they are designed to build upon other areas of voluntary, public and private sector activity (e.g. economic regeneration, flood defence, water and conservation management) that play a role in influencing the future of water related recreation. This approach can address the Coalition Government s vision of the Big Society, with local communities given the power to make decisions about the type of provision and facilities that they want in their area. 1.2 Identifying the strategic priorities This document sets out the evidence used for developing the Strategic Priorities in the following sections: Section 2 - the health, social, economic and environmental benefits of water related recreation Section 3 - the participation and demand trends for water related recreation; Section 4 - the supply of water and facilities for water related recreation; Section 5 - the key policy challenges and opportunities for water recreation in London and the South East as identified in the statutory national and local plans and policies; The Strategic Priorities are then presented in section 6. Each priority is accompanied by a case for action with a summary of the supporting evidence. 1.3 The Evidence Base The quantitative and qualitative evidence upon which the strategic priorities are based has been generated from a number of sources, including: An audit of all water resources (the coast, estuaries, main rivers, canals and other waterways and enclosed bodies of water of more than 1 hectare) that is analysed in a spatial inventory based in a Geographical Information System; Content analysis of key national and local policy documents; Desk analysis of existing databases and an extensive range of previous research studies many of which are listed in the footnotes to this document; Partner interviews with steering group organisations, sport National Governing Bodies, and key knowledge holders drawn from national and local organisations with responsibilities for water related recreation; Seven local workshops - Ashford, Brighton, Chichester, Guildford, Hastings, London, and Oxford (see report These were designed to bring together national and local partners, groups and communities and engage them in the development of the priorities; A public consultation process - a draft version of the strategic priorities was placed on the project website ( for three months from July to September Partners made comments and submitted further evidence as part of this process and these were summarised for the steering group. This final version of the strategic priorities has been adjusted to take account of the consultation process. 8

9 1.4 Data analysis and methods The analysis to generate the evidence presented in this document involved comparing data from the different evidence sources to draw out key conclusions. In order to identify trends in participation and demand and the benefits of water related recreation quantitative evidence was drawn from existing research studies and databases, the quality of the evidence was assessed in terms of statistical reliability and sample sizes. It was then compared with the qualitative evidence gained from interviews, workshops and the consultation process. New quantitative evidence on the supply of water resources for recreation was generated using the spatial inventory of water resources and a range of catchment area mapping techniques (see Appendix 1 for examples of maps). This was compared to other quantitative data in existing research studies and qualitative data obtained from interviews, workshops and the consultation process. The qualitative content analysis of existing plans and policy documents involved identifying important sections and statements in these documents which then informed an analysis of key policy challenges. The views of participants at the partner workshops provided valuable insights especially when placed alongside data gathered from other sources including the analysis of plans, the consultation process and interviews with National Governing Bodies or key knowledge holders. Stronger weighting was given to views that were expressed by a number of different types of interviewees/consultees and those that were aired in more than one workshop. 1.5 Scope Water related recreation activities are defined as those that make use of outdoor natural and artificial water resources (coastal and inland). These can be divided into the following categories (See Table 1.1 for a full list of the activities considered). Sport and recreation activities that make direct use of water resources such as angling, sailing and sub aqua; Land-based sport and recreation activities that are enhanced by proximity to water resources such as walking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching. It is important to note, particularly in respect of any specific locations cited in this report, that the development or promotion of recreational activities will be subject to the appropriate planning regulations, landowner permissions, environmental assessments and legislation. The citing of such examples, therefore, does not currently commit the steering group partners to developing these further. Table 1.1 List of water related recreation activities considered. List of Water Based Activities Angling Canal Boating Canoeing/kayaking Coasteering Kite buggying / kite land boarding Kite surfing Land Yachting Model Boating Motor boating/cruising List of Water Based Activities continued Outdoor swimming Personal Watercraft Rowing Sailing Sub Aqua Surfing Triathlon Water Skiing Windsurfing List of Water Related Activities Bird watching Cliff climbing Cycling Horse Riding Running/jogging Spending time on the beach Walking 9

10 2. The Importance of Enjoying Water - The benefits of water related recreation 2.1 Introduction The provision of well managed opportunities to enjoy the water environment has a number of positive outcomes, including health benefits, social inclusion, environmental protection, economic development and climate change adaptation. This section presents some of the key facts and figures that indicate the important role water related recreation can play in improving society, the quality of people s lives and the physical environment. 2.2 Health and healthy lifestyles There is now considerable evidence that physical activity in outdoor environments is closely associated with better physical and mental health and reduced mortality. The costs of inactivity in the UK are 8.3 billion per year, equating to 5 million for each Primary Care Trust. 2 Most of the potential health benefits in adults from physical activity can be achieved through a total of 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on at least five days per week (Department of Health, ). Many water sports, such as rowing, surfing and canoeing, also involve periods of high intensity activity. Outdoor exercise that takes place in the presence of nature can play a major role in combating a range of the physical and mental health problems arising from inactivity. In particular, outdoor exercise in green and blue spaces can help tackle physical illnesses especially obesity, osteoporosis and Type 2 Diabetes. It can also contribute to enhancing mental well-being by reducing stress and improving poor self esteem and mood. Estimates suggest that a total of 6% of the entire NHS budget is spent as a result of inactivity 4. Even less physically demanding water related activities can offer health benefits. Angling provides physical and health benefits as an activity that can be continued right through life. In a recent major study 60% of anglers viewed their participation as moderate intensity physical activity with a further 34% considering it high intensity. Many anglers reported other benefits such as relaxation and angling is also a good therapeutic activity for people suffering or recovering from health problems 5. Walking by watersides may also create health benefits. A 2008 towpath visitor survey conducted by British Waterways reported that 62% of respondents indicated that the presence of a canal increased the amount of physical activity they regularly undertake. 6 Recent towpath improvements for the Limehouse Cut that links the Thames to the River Lee have been accompanied by a doubling in towpath use by walkers so that the number of visits per year has increased by 51, A recent evaluation of Natural England s Walking for Health Initiative found the costbenefit ratio of the scheme to be 1:7.18, so for every 1 spent on the initiative there would be 7.18 worth of health benefit delivered 8. As recent studies show, however, more evidence is needed of the specific health benefits of recreational use of water Inclusive society, cohesive communities and volunteering The social benefits of participation in outdoor recreational activity have now been clearly established by a significant body of evidence 10. Benefits for the individual include having fun, developing social networks, acquiring knowledge and skills, improving learning and gaining a sense of achievement. These benefits contribute to communities as people 10

11 take part in common activities and some individuals develop resilience and responsibility and are diverted from crime and antisocial behaviour. Sport and recreation play a role in tackling the problems facing deprived communities providing access to facilities and opportunities is equitable and encourages excluded people to take part 11. Outdoor activity and volunteering can improve the resilience, responsibility and employment chances of marginalised young people but often environmental volunteering opportunities are not part of policies targeted at young people 12. In many urban areas, however, canals and other waterways are amongst the most accessible green spaces. 13 British Waterways 14 and others are increasingly using the regeneration of urban waterways as a means of improving social inclusion. 15 Many water sports, as part of a wider programme of community engagement, have developed social inclusion programmes, such as Canoe Paddlability, Calypso Surf Anywhere programme, and Get Hooked on Fishing, 16. In London there is an active youth rowing scheme offering opportunities to participate from tasters through to competition training for disabled young people 17. Many water related recreation activities have very well established organisations that support participants with disabilities. There are a number of wider community benefits associated with volunteering and many water sports have strong traditions of volunteers running clubs and providing coaching 18.Angling, which has a strong club and voluntary organisation tradition encourages intergenerational socialisation and volunteering. One study found that at various times 73% of respondents went fishing with friends, 41% with immediate family and 39% with other angling club members 19. Around 60,000 people are members of the Marine Conservation Society and in September 2009 on one weekend the Society arranged for 5,000 volunteers to take part in beach cleans at 374 beaches 20. Thames 21 is an environmental charity working with London s communities to improve the capital s waterways and each year over 8,000 people volunteer to take part in a range of environmental and clean-up activities Environmental protection and climate change Climate change is likely to have profound impacts on the region s coastal and inland water resources. Steps need to be taken now to protect these environments, particularly from inappropriate recreation and other developments 22. Badly managed water recreation can disturb sensitive species and damage habitats. In South East England locations popular for water recreation such as the Solent and the Thames, Medway and Swale estuaries are also the breeding sites for sensitive bird populations. Throughout the region, however, a variety of voluntary, public and private sector organisations successfully manage water related recreation activity in very sensitive environmental sites using a wide range of tools such as permits, short closures, stewardship initiatives and environmental strategies. One example is the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) working in partnership with the British Marine Federation to deliver the Green Blue 23, a major environmental programme aimed at the recreational boating community and industry, which is raising awareness of environmental best practice, conducting research and carrying out practical demonstration projects. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) in 1995 established the Aware project to promote responsible diving and the conservation of underwater environments 24. Well managed opportunities for people to enjoy water can contribute to significant environmental improvements, biodiversity and inspire people to engage in social activities which enhance the natural environment. For example, angling organisations, 11

12 landowners and private sector operators have all worked in partnership with the Environment Agency to contribute to a significant increase in the availability and quality of riverine coarse and game fish habitat. 25 Around one-quarter of anglers currently contribute to environmental or aquatic habitat conservation projects 26. The new joint canoe and fish passes on the River Medway indicate how wildlife and recreation can be jointly enhanced. Technological improvements can reduce the impact of water related recreation on the environment. The evolution of greener boat solutions, such as the electric day hire boats used on the Norfolk Broads, are becoming increasingly viable for commercial use on some waterways. Significant benefits arise from developing sustainable transport links along waterways that encourage healthier commuting and help reduce carbon emissions. A recent review of the economic valuation of navigable waterways by the Environment Agency, states that people using towpaths for travel and sightseeing are some of the main beneficiaries of inland waterways along with boaters, walkers and dog-walkers Economic development and regeneration Sport and recreation have a significant positive economic impact on the English and local economies 28. The British Marine Federation calculated that in 2006 the UK leisure boating industry employed around 30,000 people and generated 230m per annum in tax revenues 29. Marine South East has estimated that the marine industry in the South East had a turnover of nearly 11bn in 2004, 27% of the total for the UK marine industry and the leisure marine sector contributed just over 1bn of this turnover. 30 In 2005 the 671,000 yachtspersons who visited marinas in the South East region spent 21.5 million supporting 670 jobs 31. The seaside accounts for between a quarter and a third of domestic holiday nights in England 32 and the south coast is one of the most popular destinations in the country. A recent report 33 estimated that in the South East region an estimated 46,000 jobs were directly supported by seaside tourism in 2006/08. East Sussex (19,000 jobs), Kent (9,400) and the Isle of Wight (7,900) all feature in the top 10 counties of England and Wales for estimated year-round tourism employment in the same period. The estimated annual output (GVA) directly attributable to the seaside tourist industry in 2007 in the South East region was 910 million, the highest of any region in England and Wales. Restored waterways can have significant economic impacts. The restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal linking the River Thames at Reading and the River Avon at Bristol with was completed in 2002 with 25 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). A series of economic impact studies reveal that tourism, recreation and functional visits to the canal have grown by 46% since 1995 to a total of 11.2 million in The visits supported or safeguarded 1,230 jobs and each year generated 42 million gross direct expenditure in the local economies adjoining the canal, a figure that increases to 55 million if indirect and induced spend is added. By 2009 the restoration had also contributed to million (at 2009 values) uplift in the capital value of properties within 200 metres of the canal. 34 Waterside regeneration is a key economic benefit derived from canals, rivers and navigable waterways 35. British Waterways estimated that it is influencing and enabling 12

13 11bn of regeneration around the country alongside its canals and rivers. The redevelopment of Paddington Basin, on the Grand Union Canal, is one of the largest canal-side regeneration schemes in England and investment in the regeneration of Paddington Basin is already in excess of 2bn. 36 The economic impact study of the proposed Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway in the South East region estimated that this could generate between 16m and 27m per annum of spend by locals and visitors, as well as over 7,000 additional boat movements and 5,000 hire-weeks of additional activity on the waterway. 37 Recreational inland and sea fisheries have considerable economic benefits 38. Sea angling contributes approximately 550m per annum 39 to the national economy. The most comprehensive study of the economic impacts of freshwater angling in England indicates that in London and the South East region there were just less than 5 million angler days in 2005, of which 4.4 million were for coarse angling, 470,000 trout (fisheries) and 9,000 salmon & sea trout. This generated a gross expenditure of 220m, with 4,700 jobs supported 40. During the period there was also an increase of 12.7% in rod and boat license sales in the Southern and Thames Environment Agency regions 41. In a recent study of game fishing on the Rivers Test and Itchen, the Salmon & Trout Association found that anglers spend 3.25m per annum on fees to fish the rivers, which supports 120 full and part time jobs and a range of conservation projects. 42 Many people participating in water related recreation spend considerable sums of money. A number of activities have witnessed an increase in pay and play facilities which all indicate an increasing willingness amongst the public to pay for good recreational opportunities. Visitors to South East marinas in 2005 from overseas spent 396 per visit and domestic visitors Table 2.1 below shows the amount at 2008 prices spent per trip by day visitors to inland waterways. Table 2.1 Expenditure values per activity per person per trip (2008 prices) Visit Category Mean Value Powered boats ( boats with engine ) 9.50 Unpowered boats ( boats without engine )* 3.46 Cycling 4.40 Dog walking 6.05 Leisure / heritage / museum visits 9.79 Walking / rambling 3.37 Pub visits 8.25 Running / jogging 2.91 Visits to get somewhere Sat or stood 3.15 Other 4.07 All visits 5.57 Source: Jacobs (2010) 44 based on t he three year average values from the Inland Waterways Day Visitor Surveys 2006, 2007 and 2008 uplifted to 2008 prices. Earlier surveys found that canoeists at 2004 prices spent (depending on the data source) per person per trip to inland waterways and anglers 1.80 to 7 per visit (formal and informal angling on inland waterways were not separated) 45. Angling and canoeing participation both require a series of expenditures on equipment, travel, licence, permits and other items all purchases that contribute to local economies 46. Even in the difficult economic circumstances of 20101/11 places where people take part in water related recreation can create business investment opportunities. The new Solent 13

14 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has already identified the 1,750 marine related businesses in the Solent as a key part of the local economy accounting for some 48,000 jobs with a Gross Value Added contribution of 3.6 billion. Businesses in this sector will include recreation related activities in the marine engineering sector. The Solent LEP has highlighted the investment opportunities in the marine sector as part its vision for developing a growth hub based on strategic sector clusters 47. In other locations business investment opportunities linked to people enjoying water environments maybe more modest but still of local significance for small businesses and self employed workers. The Upper Lee Valley Landscape strategy noted that improvements to local blue spaces could generate business income through pay and play facilities for water sports based on new water leisure sites and equipment hire. Sales of organic products grown in the valley along with fairs, cultural events, guided walks and visitor centres are also identified as future income generation opportunities for local businesses

15 3. People enjoying water - Participation and demand 3.1 Changing population and demand Significant changes are predicted in the level and nature of the population of London and South East and these are likely to occur despite the recent economic downturn. Population in the South East outside London is predicted to grow from 8.2m inhabitants in 2006 to 9.5m in London s population will grow from just under 8m at the moment to as much as 9m by The data presented below suggest that for most water related recreation activities participation and demand in recent years have either grown or remained static. Whilst there is some variation in participation by age, gender and income, people from all social backgrounds and all parts of the region take part in opportunities to enjoy water environments. If these trends continue a growth in the region s population is likely to contribute to a growth in demand for formal and informal water related recreation especially in locations where new housing development and population growth are to be concentrated, such as Ashford, the Thames Gateway and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury Vale. 3.2 Participation and demand by residents and tourists There are several different sources of evidence on participation and demand and these are discussed in a detailed analysis of participation and demand presented in Appendix This chapter highlights the general findings and trends that emerge from the analysis. The final section of the chapter considers the trends in particular sports and recreational activities. The national picture 52 About a quarter of the UK adult population (26% [13 million people] in 2009) now spend some of their leisure time in ways closely linked to coasts and inland waterways and watercourses. 53 This figure showed a slight declining trend since 2001 but there was an increase in 2007 and In 2009 around 10% of the adult population in the UK walked at the coast, 9% went to the beach, 8% swam outdoors and 7% participated in boating activity. Since 2001, the frequency of participation has increased in most activities, indicating that while slightly fewer people take part overall in many activities, they do so more often. Some activities have noticeably high frequency of participation levels, 11% of anglers and 8% of surfers participated over 25 times during Club membership rates are generally low and for many core sports and activities less than 10% of all participants are club members. For most water related recreation activities, participation rates are higher for men compared to women, younger age groups compared to older ones and wealthier AB groups compared to the other socio-economic groups. There are some exceptions to these patterns including higher levels of women compared to men participating in canal boating and general leisure time at the beach, and higher levels of people from the less wealthy C2DE socio-economic groups taking part in angling compared to wealthier groups. For most activities there is an increasing trend in female participation. In absolute numbers, families account for the majority of participants for most activities, with people who are from the older age category having the lowest participation rates. 15

16 Trends in London and the South East 54 Enjoying Water - London and South East England In London and the South East just over 4 million adult residents participated in water related recreation in 2008, rising to nearly 5 million people in In the combined southern and eastern TV regions 55 the highest participation rates for specific activities were in outdoor swimming (13.2% of residents), spending general leisure time on the beach (11.9%), coastal walking (11.8%), angling (2.7%) and canoeing (2.3%). Londoners are generally less active in water related recreation than those living in the South East, and those living in the South East are generally less active than those living in the southern postcodes that cover Hampshire, Surrey and parts of Sussex. Evidence also exists, especially for London, to show that multi-sport hub sites can adjust effectively to changing demand and meet a range of policy priorities. Establishing such hubs to meet demand is a goal of the Mayor s commitment to the future of sport in London 56. The Solent is already a major hub for the marine industry and has a high level of demand for opportunities to people to enjoy water 57. Partners also felt demand from a growing population was leading to an inland hub emerging around Milton Keynes. Data for indoor and outdoor swimming combined suggests 7.8% of South East region adult residents and 6.9% of Londoners swim at least once a week for 30 minutes or more at moderate intensity 58. This will be mainly at indoor venues. Some of the 43 public outdoor swimming pools and lidos on London and the South East have experienced growing demand in the last few years, depending on summer weather conditions. The newly opened London Fields lido has seen user numbers rise from 117,000 in 2007/8 to 145,000 in 2009/10. Participation in major outdoor swim events has grown sharply and 5,000 people swam in the 2010 British Gas Great London Swim in the Royal Docks more than three times the number that took part in the first event in ,000 anglers licensed to fish in England and Wales in 2005 are based in the South East and London and these participation figures showed a substantial increase from London is the only place in England and Wales where there is more coarse fishing on rivers than on still waters. The River Thames Piers plan predicts demand will grow for river passenger traffic from both commuters and tourists and this will require future passenger pier development on the Thames by There is evidence of considerable outflows of people from London for water related recreation and Londoners in 2005 made 1.8 million trips to a seaside coastline 61. This is likely to involve large numbers of car based journeys but partners emphasised that many participants used cars as storage facilities were not adequate at the sites they visited. Coarse angling however, generates a net inflow of angling visitors to London, with nearly 300,000 days per annum of visits for coarse angling, compared to 70,000 days of angling in London by Londoners. Anglers visiting the South East (mainly from London) contributed about one-third of the annual fishing days Partner views - participation and demand The local workshops were designed to gather a range of views about participation and demand. While not in themselves robust evidence, the views obtained offer important insights and by comparing the views of workshop participants with other forms of data (e.g. consultation responses, interviews with National Governing Bodies and other 16

17 partners) it is possible to develop a robust view of trends in participation and demand. The key general insights on demand and participation obtained from workshops are summarised in Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Summary of workshop findings - participation and demand 63 General issues - participation The potential of Olympic legacy initiatives to increase participation in water related recreation through the use of new and improved water spaces was not being fully addressed. A lack of information on accessible spaces can constrain participation by new participants and those already involved in a sport. High quality, reliable and lively internet based information was required to encourage local residents and tourists to take part in informal water related recreation. Schools play an important role in encouraging new participants into water related recreation but had been increasingly limited in their activities by health and safety requirements. Some schools were now more experienced in tackling risk and safety issues. In many activities more participants were using Pay and Play facilities and this limited their use of club based sources of information, advice, codes of conduct and regulations. Accessible opportunities for participants to progress in terms of skills and challenge are important to maintaining participation. Boat licence and registration arrangements especially day and week tickets could be improved to encourage less regular users of navigations. Pressures arising from increased participation and activity are linked to conflicts between cyclists and walkers and between anglers, canoeists and cyclists. General issues - demand Demand for most activities will either remain static or grow. More slipways and improvements to existing ones on the south coast and the Thames Estuary are required especially with adjoining car parking. Some canals and river navigations are now multi-purpose trails used for a range of activities. Some long distance trails lack supporting facilities e.g. cafes, pubs and campsites. Some landowners and farmers are concerned about the costs of meeting the demand for increased access and some believe agricultural stewardship schemes could potentially be adjusted to provide funds to improve access to water. In the Solent area a desire for new and improved spaces and facilities was expressed by anglers and other forms of recreation could make more use of the west side of the Test estuary, north of Hythe. Some activities seek increased access to Thames tributaries accompanied by better facilities e.g. new portage. Along the south coast recent growth in demand meant a number of hubs for water related recreation were emerging along a watersports coast Demand to complete gaps in Thames Path from a range of recreational activities. Increased boating use of the Thames estuary creates demand for more temporary moorings and safe havens for a range of craft. The Thames foreshore is increasingly being accessed for informal recreation and formal activities by education, conservation and archaeological interest groups. This requires improvements in the provision and management of Thames stairs and slipways (see the Port of London Authority new riverside code) and more involvement from each riparian local authority. Tourist use of riverside spaces has grown and some passenger boat piers require improved coach setting down points. More urban beaches/lidos would be popular and outdoor swimming sites and lidos have seen a growth in demand depending on the weather. 3.4 Summary of participation and demand trends in London and the South East The quantitative data that are available on participation in individual water related recreation activities are incomplete and sometimes inconsistent between surveys 64. As a result, it is often unclear which water related recreation activities are driven by demand, supply or policy. Indeed, workshop participants suggested individual activities can be influenced by elements of all three drivers. Table 3.2 is based on the quantitative and qualitative information set out in the demand analysis in Appendix 2 as well as, where indicated, the findings of workshops, the consultation process and the interviews with National Governing Bodies. Table 3.2 presents an estimate of participation for each of the main water related recreation activities and discusses key trends including where participation and demand may be affected by the supply of sites and facilities. The quantitative data in Table 3.2 particularly informs the People Priorities designed to increase participation. 17

18 Table 3.2 Estimates of current participation in selected activities based on a range of evidence 65 Activity Data Trends Canoeing and 2.5-3% of the other paddlesports (approx regional population 450,000 Coarse, game and sea angling people). About 31,000 of these are recognised by the Active People survey. The majority of paddlers live outside London. 2.5% of the regional population (approx 425,000 people). The majority are coarse anglers and live outside London. Frequency of participation is high with many regular anglers. Dinghy sailing % of the regional population sail for fun (200, ,000 people); 0.5% sail competitively (85,000 people, of whom approx. 50,000 are recognised in the Active People survey. Kite surfing 0.2% of the regional population (35,000 people) Leisure visits to the coast Leisure to water visits inland 14m trips (2005) from London and the South East 25% of the population to water with boats, 18% to The Active People data suggest that there has been significant growth in canoeing since 2005/6. The Arkenford data support this finding, especially in the period since Active People indicates there is evidence of suppressed demand with people interested in taking up canoeing The supply of opportunities is significant, with the region possessing good touring water (including parts of the coast) and some good play sections (although those living south of London feel that more inland touring waters and local play sites are required to meet demand). Also many paddlers travel outside the region for fast moving water. The workshops suggested that there is latent demand for canoe polo and other disciplines such as canoe touring and safari, particularly where good facilities or routes are made available. There is no survey evidence to support this claim. Angling enjoyed steady growth from 2000 to 2005 (Environment Agency). Comparison of data from Arkenford ( ) and Environment Agency (2007) suggest continued growth to Workshop participants suggested that this growth is primarily in coarse angling, with a shift in demand from rivers to lakes, reservoirs and commercial fisheries. The 2009 Arkenford data suggests that there has been an increase in sea angling (this is supported by the workshop findings). It is notable that little angling takes place in London, despite the presence of many moving and still waters. There are no data on participation in game angling, although the workshop participants stated that it remains in high demand, particularly on the Test, Itchen and Meon Rivers. Demand for coarse angling seems to be partly supply and policy driven, with Environment Agency coaching programmes for young and disadvantaged anglers contributing to growing participation in urban areas, and the availability of new waters generating some new (as well as some displaced) participation. Sailing is very popular in the region, compared to the rest of the country (Active People data). Few leisure sailors live in London; the distribution of competitive sailors is more even across the region. There has been a steady increase in regular participation in the region. Workshop participants and partners were concerned that the sport requires better facilities if this growth in participation is to continue. Many people travel out of the region, particularly to the National Sailing Centre at Weymouth and other sailing centres in the South West. Arkenford suggests that there has been a decline in participation in competitive dinghy sailing since 2007, although this is not supported by the Active People data, which show an increase in regular sailing at moderate intensity. The Arkenford data suggest that participation has been constant over the past 7 years, with no signs of growth. The workshop participants, in contrast, felt that there has been steady growth in demand, particularly at popular beaches such as Camber Sands, where crowding and conflict can be an issue during the summer season. Data are partial and difficult to interpret. The England Leisure Visits (ELVS) Survey suggests that around 7% of the population visit seaside towns or the coast (2005), while the Arkenford research suggests that approximately 10% of the population makes trips the coast and 10% go to the beach (2008). There are few trend data, although ELVS suggests that participation rates fell around 10% between 2002/3 and 2005/6 but the data collection methodology changed, meaning that direct comparison is not possible. These data, from ELVS, are only at the national scale. ELVS states that participation rates fell from 35% of the population in 2002/3 visiting water with boats and 25% visiting water 18

19 Motor cruising & Narrow boating Outdoor Swimming and triathlon Personal watercraft Rowing and dragon boats Sub-aqua diving water without boats (2005) 0.7-1% of the regional population ( ,000 people). The majority live outside London 10-13% of the regional population ( m people). Note that participation is highest in the south of the region % of the regional population ( ,000 people) 0.5-1% of the regional population (85-170,000 people). Of these, around 27,000 are recognised by the Active People survey. Relatively few Londoners row. There are no data for dragon boating 0.9-1% of the regional population (150, ,000 people). The majority live outside London Surfing 1-1.3% of the regional population ( ,000 people) Water skiing and wakeboarding 0.8-1% of the regional population (130, ,000 people). Most popular in the south of the region without boats but changes in data collection means these are not direct comparisons. Nationally, the structure of motor cruising is changing, with a decline in the number of hire craft offset by a shift to the ownership of larger and more luxurious craft, with different mooring requirements. 66 The Arkenford research suggests that there has been a decline in participation since 2007, although this is not supported by British Waterways data, which shows a 4% increase. Registrations on British Waterways waters have increased by 50% since 1991, while the increase from on all inland waterways is nearly 30%. 67 However, with the exception of British Waterways, registrations on Southern and Thames waters have changed little in the period , for both powered and unpowered craft. The 2009 Arkenford survey suggests that participation is falling. Outdoor swimming has long been a popular activity especially at the coast. Participation has tended to decline in recent decades, although picking up significantly in 2009 (see Arkenford data). The Active People survey suggests that participation rates for swimming are declining nationally, however this is a measure of all swimming activity and is therefore not a valid indication of outdoor swimming trends. Some lidos show a growth in demand. There are no data for participation in triathlon. However, it is understood from the British Triathlon Federation that demand is growing fast and that applications to participate in some of the key events are over-subscribed. Participant numbers have grown sharply in large scale outdoor swim events. Following a period of growth to 2008, participation is static and expected to decline (according to workshop participants). Demand is focused on particular locations as there are few inland waters available and use is made of the coast and main estuaries. Workshop participants claimed more use could be sustained of the coast and estuaries if better access were made available to slipways. Active People data suggest that a large proportion of rowers are regular participants of at least moderate intensity. British Rowing report a growth nationally in competitive rowing and expect interest in London 2012 to generate new participation in competitive rowing. British Rowing is also developing recreational rowing, which could lead to further increases in participation. Workshop participants also suggested there had been a recent growth in long distance rowing touring. From a relatively minor activity, dragon boating now supports a national league. However, regular participation is small, but boosted by one-off events. Growing nationally, from a small base. No trend evidence available regionally but the workshop participants suggested that it mirrors the national situation. Workshop participants claimed that growth is constrained by a lack of sites close to population centres with certain sites under threat and visibility at many sites is poor, this means that participants have to travel long distances to suitable sites. Steady growth in the UK, but little regional data. Workshop participants stated that paddle surfing had grown recently and surfing demand tends to be confined to a few specific beaches on the Isle of Wight, south coast and one beach in east Kent, with many surfers travelling out of the region. The Arkenford research suggests that there has been a decline in participation since 2007, flattening out by This was not the view of workshop participants. Limited data are available on waterskiing and none on wakeboarding. The Arkenford research suggests that participation in waterskiing has declined in the period , but has since picked up. Waterskiers claimed at the workshops that there were currently several good inland facilities for water skiing in the region however sites were in danger of being lost due to leases ending and health and safety concerns. It was felt that there may be a shortage of locations in future. There is no data to confirm this. 19

20 Wind surfing % of the regional population (100, ,000 people). Note, there are more participants from London than from the rest of the region Yacht cruising and racing 1.6% of the regional population (270,000 people). Those who race live predominantly in the south; those who cruise are more broadly spread across the region Enjoying Water - London and South East England Participation in windsurfing has fluctuated since With the introduction of new sports, such as kite surfing, it appears that windsurfing initially lost out, with the sales of windsurfing equipment collapsing in the period (workshop findings). Since then it has become more popular. Part of the problem for windsurfing according to workshop participants has been a lack of suitable venues, given that a lot of the coast, especially close to London, is seen as unforgiving to inexperienced windsurfers. There is demand for better coastal provision to be made at Hayling Island (workshop findings). The Arkenford data suggest that participation in sailing cruising grew significantly between 2007 and 2008 and has since flattened out. Workshop participants stated that due to rising costs some cruising boats are being used less or stored during the recession but that use of such boats is likely to grow as the economy recovers. National Governing bodies and research undertaken by other key partners suggests there is demand pressure for better management of moorings and availability of safe havens in the Thames Estuary and for more marina development in some coastal areas, to create more capacity for touring by UK and European residents and to support local economic development and coastal regeneration. NOTE: the participation data used in this table are mainly from the Arkenford Market Modelling & Research ( ) Watersports and leisure participation surveys which estimates numbers of people undertaking each of the activities at some point during the year. They are provided for guidance only. The participation rates used are higher than the Sport England Active People survey estimates, and may in certain situations over-estimate the significance of some activities that only take place in limited places or at limited times of the year. 20