I have been in paddlesports for 50 years and over this time there have been more and more restrictions. Because of these restrictions, legal or otherwise, I now choose to paddle either on the sea or in countries that welcome a healthy activity, namely Scotland, or other EU countries, as well as the USA and Canada. Before feudal times when wealthy landowners fenced off land, all our waterways were used as a transport system. Let's make sure we are all able to enjoy the pleasures of our waterways as we do the hills and moors of this small island. Dave Bursnall, Harlech

You can travel around the world and paddle most rivers with no problem, except when you come to England and Wales. It is about time we moved out of the dark ages. The rivers are for all, not just for the privileged. Howard Jeffs, Cotgrave, Notts

Yes, of course they should have the right to float. I have been canoeing for over 20 years and the access situation has not improved in this time. Trips to Scotland are great because there are no problems accessing the rivers but there are so many great rivers in Wales and England that we cannot access. Gareth Bryant, Llandysul

Ramblers have the right to roam the countryside so why can't canoeist have the right to paddle our waters? Canoeing is a physical activity for all the family and it should be encouraged. Canoeists do no harm to the environment, so I don't see why we are not allowed to paddle our own waters. Samantha Hayes, London

Yes, there should be a right to float. It is the logical next step from the "right to roam" encouraging another healthy outdoor activity which contributes economically to those too few areas in which it is permitted. In Scotland and on the continent there is no problem with anglers and canoeists sharing the rivers and waterways - so why not England and Wales? This is especially true of the use of upland whitewater rivers in the winter at times when there is no danger of damaging fish spawning beds and when conditions are often unsuitable for fishing anyway. There should be a presumption of a right of access. Andrew Walker, Newton Abbot

It is my belief that should canoeists wish to enjoy those parts of rivers that anglers have (in some cases) paid considerable amounts of money to enjoy they should pay for the privilege. Screaming groups of gaudy kayakers and rafters detract from many an angler's enjoyment of a good day's fishing. Tom Rawson, Edinburgh

I like canoeing. I like fishing. yes to access for all on our rivers, our birthright. Rivers are the natural water highways of our land. Helen Hulme, Manchester

Would this new right also apply to rowers? I have seen a rowing eight, plus coach with bicycle and megaphone, squeezing down a narrow canal and scattering birds and fishermen aside without even slowing down. If canoeists are having stones thrown at them, a change to this law won't change that, and in any case throwing stones at someone is already against the law. Use that law, and leave the right to wander laws as they are. Dave Gordon, Basingstoke

I have been canoeing for over 30 years in this country and in many overseas countries. England and Wales are the only countries I have had any problems accessing rivers for canoeing. It is an anomaly for us to have feudal laws preventing a legitimate and healthy pastime that does no damage. Paddy Wilkinson, London

Both my sons have grown to appreciate and respect our environment and wildlife and benefit from taking part in a healthy, outdoor activity since we started paddling up here in the Lakes a couple of years ago. What we have not enjoyed is the verbal abuse and threats of rocks being thrown at us while on the river. I'm not blaming anybody other than the misguided individuals concerned, but the sheer lack of clarity as to what rights we do or do not have simply does not help. Legislation would help greatly; we cause no harm and take nothing but pleasure from our sport. Why should we not have the same rights of access as exist in most European countries? Barry Curley, Egremont

The responsible canoeists who have written in are giving an impression of the quiet, sole canoeist going his or her way and disturbing nothing. They are ignoring the effect of commercial interests and the leisure industry. Now that the holiday industry is involved in hiring out canoes to be used on our small Norfolk waterways they will go the same way as the bulk of the Norfolk Broads. The responsible water users will be in the minority and the noisy, litter-spreading, environment-destroying users will be in the majority. I have seen canoeists on one of the most peaceful and wildlife rich waterways in Norfolk, scattering wildlife to the winds, shouting and screaming and jumping onto the banks where it pleases them, totally lacking in awareness of their surroundings. They might as well have been on a water-splash at a fairground. Our small waterways are the last quiet refuges for otters, water voles, kingfishers, etc. I don't believe the bulk of canoeists will be any more responsible than the mountain-bikers who thrash our woodlands, the off-roaders who destroy the green lanes, the anglers who leave rubbish on the banks, the boat-users who speed and erode the river banks or the hikers who crash through nesting sites. All are out to please themselves regardless and are one and the same. Access to minor waterways must be restricted to protect the flora and fauna and the quiet secret beauty of the countryside. R. Nichols, Norwich

With 98 per cent of rivers in England and Wales having no formal access agreement, despite countless years of work to resolve the situation, it forces people to think of alternatives. Scotland is an obvious choice, with its far more sensible approach to river access, and as such is a very popular kayaking destination. Unfortunately, the 16-hour return journey from Banbury up to Fort William with a heavily laden car has a pretty negative effect on the environment, as well as causing all our money to be spent in bunk houses, hostels, pubs and cafes in Scotland, rather than more local areas. Until these laws change, however, this is the only legal way to enjoy our sport, local economies and the environment lose out, and the Scottish tourist industry reaps the benefits. Matt Reynolds, Banbury