John Bailey – The Kingfisher Diaries
September 1st 2009
Tales from the Riverbank
The power of television is extraordinary. Hardly ever, over the years of fishing the Wensum, have I seen more than an occasional canoe. One or two of us, who love the river, get out afloat ourselves as a way of seeing fish and bottom contours all the better. But, generally, that's been about it. However, since the detestable Griff Rhys Jones's series, canoes on the Wensum are ever more common. In fact, over the last three weeks I've probably seen twenty if not thirty canoes - and that's just when I've actually been there. Obviously, a lot I'm not witnessing at all.
Now this is an enormous explosion of canoes. And the trouble is, I'm not at all sure that the Wensum is really up for it. It's a tiny river and a very fragile eco system. The canoes are certainly causing the swans an enormous amount of stress and alarm. One canoe was actually herding half a dozen swans downstream ahead of it. They couldn't get out of the water and they were afraid to move back against the current and against the canoe.
And some weed has been damaged. Chub shoals have bolted. Though, in truth, the roach have seemed fairly bomb-proof.
I'm cursing that I haven't had my camera at the ready when I have seen the canoes going past. Trouble is, you're so used to the serenity of the river, when that peace is broken you're in a state of semi-shock. Not very professional, I know, but I'll do better next time and try and get photographic evidence of the dangers these craft really do pose.
I'm not against anybody enjoying the river, providing the river is not harmed as a result. Canoeists are irksome on a water like this, especially considering they don't pay a cent for river usage.
So well done Mr. Jones. Whilst you made a lot of money and enjoyed making a series, not everybody thinks your message is quite the good idea that you seem to do.