Background

The Parish Council has taken responsibility for managing a small area along the beautiful River Stour as a community amenity.

It offers a close-up view of the gently flowing river, which is usually hidden in other parts of the village.

There is an opportunity to launch boats and canoes from The River Stour Trust's landing stage 

All are welcome to use the Garden, and to ensure safe and socially acceptable use the Council requests everyone follow the conditions mentioned

Please observe them at all times to ensure continued access.

  

Stratford St Mary River Garden

Conditions of Use

The River Garden is managed under licence from Northumbrian Water and maintained by Stratford St Mary Parish Council.

 

To continue enjoying the Garden, please follow these conditions, available both on-site and on the Parish Council’s website.

 

Access to the River Garden is granted only if you agree to and follow them:

 

Using the River

You can launch rowing boats, canoes, paddle boards, or similar craft only if they are properly licensed or authorised.

All launches must take place from the landing stage, which is managed by the River Stour Trust.

Launching is at your own risk

No craft to be launched or landed directly from or onto, the river bank.

You will need a Waterways Licence Licence to use a boat, kayak, canoe or paddle board on the Stour (link)

 

 

The following actions are NOT ALLOWED anywhere within the Stratford St Mary River Garden:  

 

Fishing

Lighting or using, fires or barbecues

Music of any kind

Setting up tents, gazebos and camping overnight , unless youve made prior arrangements for a registered activity

Unloading & parking of vehicles or trailers in the Garden;

Storing equipment or materials

Playing games involving throwing or passing balls or other objects

Activities for financial gain are strictly prohibited under the terms of the licence.

Please take all food and litter with you when you leave. Dispose of all waste properly

SAFETY TIPS

Children under 16 must be with an adult at all times 

The River Stour can be fast moving and unpredictable especially in bad weather.  There's a weir and sluice a few hundred metres downstream.

Always be cautious near the river bank and in wet conditions.

The nearby road is busy and and has limited visibility. Please be very careful when leaving the Garden.

Parking on the access to the Garden is not allowed. Be sure to observe the double yellow lines 

 Contact: parishcouncil@stratfordstmary.og.uk

 

Please ensure that when loading / unloading or preparing craft and equipment on a village footpath, that you consider residents and passers by who share the footpath with you.