Keep the Exe Accessible: Why Paddle boarding on the Estuary Must Remain Free
The Exe Estuary in Devon, a shimmering expanse of water where the River Exe meets the sea, is a jewel of the West Country. It is a haven for wildlife, a vital commercial artery, and a playground for watersports enthusiasts. In recent years, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity, offering a unique, low-impact way to explore the estuary's sheltered coves, rich mudflats, and stunning coastal views.
However, as with many treasured natural spaces, the question of access and management often arises, sometimes leading to proposals for charges or restrictions. For the sake of local community spirit, physical health, and broad accessibility, paddleboarding on the Exe Estuary must remain free of any prohibitive public charges.
A Natural Right to Enjoyment
The right to navigate and enjoy publicly accessible waterways like the Exe Estuary is a long-standing tradition in the UK. Introducing a charge for individuals simply launching their own paddleboards amounts to creating a 'tax on nature' – an unnecessary barrier to enjoying a public resource. The Exe Estuary is a dynamic, shared space, and its enjoyment should not be limited by the size of one's wallet.
Paddleboarding is one of the most accessible watersports. It requires minimal equipment beyond the board itself, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels. By keeping access free, the Exe Estuary promotes genuine inclusivity. It allows local families, students, and those on lower incomes to participate in healthy, outdoor recreation. Turning it into a pay-to-play zone would inevitably exclude large segments of the community, disproportionately affecting those who rely on free, local amenities for exercise and wellbeing.
Community, Health, and Tourism Benefits
The benefits of free access extend far beyond the individual paddler:
- Health and Well-being: Access to water-based activities has a proven positive impact on both physical and mental health. The Exe's calm sections, like the "Duck Pond" near Exmouth, provide a relatively safe environment for exercise, reducing pressure on other public health resources.1
- Local Economy: While the act of paddle boarding itself should be free, its popularity fuels a thriving local economy. Businesses that rent boards, offer lessons (which are already charged for), sell equipment, and provide post-paddle refreshments (cafes, pubs, parking facilities) all benefit from a steady stream of visitors drawn by the free, open access. Imposing a fee on personal craft could deter casual users, reducing footfall and hitting these small local businesses.
- Environmental Stewardship: When people feel connected to a natural space, they are more likely to care for it. Free access encourages a broader community of users who, through their presence and participation in local groups, become the most dedicated monitors and advocates for the estuary's ecological health. They are the first to spot pollution, like the recent sewage discharge concerns that have sparked local protests, and they form the vital volunteer base for clean-up operations.
Effective Management Over Financial Barriers
Arguments for charging often cite the need for management, safety patrols, and infrastructure upkeep. However, the costs associated with managing a vast, tidal estuary should not be primarily levied against non-motorised, low-impact users like paddleboarders.
Effective management should focus on non-financial solutions:
- Targeted Education: Promoting best practices, like respecting designated nature exclusion zones for migrating birds, wearing appropriate leashes and PFDs, and checking tides, is far more effective than punitive charges. Local groups and signage already play a large part in this.
- Community Policing: Empowering the community of users to self-regulate and report issues is a powerful, low-cost solution.
- Fair Funding: Management costs should be covered through diverse funding streams, including commercial charges for larger vessels, visitor parking revenues, and grants dedicated to protecting internationally important sites like the Exe Estuary.
The Exe Estuary is a shared public resource, a source of pride, and a pillar of the local lifestyle. To safeguard its inclusive spirit, its health benefits, and its role as a communal asset, paddleboarding on this beautiful stretch of water must remain open and free for all. The focus should be on respecting the environment, not taxing its enjoyment.
More information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/port-of-exeter-harbour-revision-order