This summer, visitors to Riverside Park in Lechlade will be able to enjoy easier access to the River Thames, thanks to a new river launch point developed in partnership between Cotswold Lakes Trust and Cotswold Canoe Hire.
The new facility will provide paddleboard and canoe hire on a 1-hour basis via Cotswold Canoe Hire, as well as private craft launching for a small fee. All income generated will directly support the ongoing care and maintenance of the site.
Located in the eastern area of the Cotswold Lakes, the dedicated access point for launching kayaks and paddleboards, has been carefully designed to encourage safe and responsible enjoyment of the river, while protecting the local riverbank environment.
This collaborative project addresses the increasing interest in paddle sports and the ongoing need to maintain the natural beauty and biodiversity of our blue spaces. The new pontoon, developed following applications to the Environment Agency and adherence to relevant guidelines, provides a designated launching point for river users at Riverside Park.
“We were keen to be involved with this project from the very start, due to the high usage along the Riverside Park area,” said Edith Cameron, Managing Director of Cotswold Canoe Hire. “We’re committed to responsible recreation, and this initiative allows us to continue to advocate that sport and connection to nature is open to all, while contributing to the well-being of the ecology of the river and its banks.”
The pontoon will initially be available for weekend and summer month pop-up sessions, offering a convenient access point in conjunction with Cotswold Canoe Hire’s current base by The Riverside. To help protect the river, the structure will be removed during the winter months to avoid any potential impact from high water levels.
“Riverside Park is one of Cotswold Lakes Trust’s key sites and together with Cotswold Canoe Hire we are providing a safe, designated access point that encourages responsible enjoyment of this section of the River Thames,” commented Ben Welbourn, Conservation & Estates Director for Cotswold Lakes Trust. “This project supports both public access and our commitment to protecting the riverbank environment.”
This joint effort is intended to support sustainable river recreation for both the local and wider Cotswold Lakes community.
Further details, including seasonal opening times, will be available soon on the Cotswold Canoe Hire website www.cotswoldcanoehire.co.uk