A recent letter to the Guardian has highlighted concerns that human activity along riverbanks is driving away wildlife. Elaine Fullard of Oxford responded to a report on the River Dart, which found that the river has 108 owners, and questioned whether access for people is coming at the expense of nature.
Ms Fullard noted that paddleboarders, dogs jumping in, and swimmers are all enjoying local rivers, but observed that a family of kingfishers has disappeared and otters are no longer seen. She called for much of the riverbanks to be left to the natural world, which she said is being destroyed so fast.
The letter reflects a broader debate about balancing public access to waterways with the need to protect wildlife habitats. Campaigners have previously called for a 'right to riverbank' along the Dart, but this view suggests that some areas should be set aside exclusively for nature.
Ms Fullard's comments echo concerns about the wider loss of biodiversity in British rivers, where disturbance from human recreation can have a significant impact on sensitive species such as kingfishers and otters.
