National Directory of Waters

• Any waters less than 1 meter deep and no more than 50 metres from any firm ground. All canals except within 25 metres of any lock and excluding 'canalized' rivers i.e River Severn below Stourport and the River Avon (see note 2)

• All water unless otherwise classified included area of canals within 25 metres of locks.

• All rivers (including canalized rivers) when the water level is more than 25cm above normal summer river levels.
• All waters within 50 metres of all river weirs when the water level does not exceed normal summer level by more than 25cm (see notes 1 & 3).
• Symonds Yat rapids on the River Wye at all times when the water level does not exceed normal summer levels by more than 25cm.

• All waters within 50 meters of river weirs when the water levels exceed normal summer levels by more than 25cm (see note 1 & 3).
• All rivers when in spate or flood conditions.

1.  Advice about river levels can be obtained by telephone as follows: Severn, Avon & Teme - 0906 619 7744 (this is a premium rate line)

Wye - 0906 619 7755 (this is a premium rate line)

Heights are given on the above numbers as above or below 'normal                  summer river levels'.

2. On canals and canalized rivers care should be taken by canoeists during the summer months due to extensive use of these waters by motor powered cruisers and barges. At Stourport, where the canal and the River Stour join the River Severn, special care is needed at all times of the year.

3.  All weirs and falls should be inspected before shooting, as there are a number that cannot be shot at any river level. There is a by-law prohibiting the shooting of weirs on the River Severn down stream from Stourport on Severn.

4.  Local knowledge should be sort before attempting to canoe, in any condition, the River Rea, the River Stour or the River Arrow.

5.  The local County Scout Council has agreed with other river users that Scouts will attempt not to interfere with the many special events held on these waters. If you are proposing to use the rivers at weekends in summer check that you are not in conflict with one of these events.