More than 30 children and adults took to the water in canoes on Saturday (23rd September) at the official opening of the Crowland slipway, canoe portage and landing stage on to the River Welland. Free canoeing taster sessions run by the British Canoe Union (BCU) were well attended and the youngsters had a go at canoe walking as well as learning how to get out of the canoe if it capsizes. The Environment Agency has built the facility as part of the Fens Waterways Link project. The new site provides parking for cars and trailers and has been designed to make access to the river as easy as possible for a variety of recreational uses. For canoeists especially, a rubber surface has been used which will help prevent snags or rips to equipment. The site also has cycle racks and picnic tables and connects the Peterborough Greenwheel and a National Sustrans Cycle route, which runs through Spalding. The BCU is run by canoe enthusiasts country-wide and this opening is being used to give anyone who wants to the opportunity to try canoeing. There are no age restrictions, people with disabilities are welcome and anyone wanting to have a go should just turn-up on the day. All equipment and training will be provided free of charge. The Fens Waterways Link aims to provide recreational facilities and improvements along the proposed route of the link, which includes the River Welland in Lincolnshire. This facility is just one of a number of projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Lincolnshire County Council and the Environment Agency along with other partners. John Adams, Waterways Development Manager said, "This excellent new facility is just one of a number that people will increasingly be seeing along waterways in Lincolnshire. The fact that we're getting them is due to the huge co-operation and hard work of a number of partners to both get the funding and put the plan into action. We hope this sort of project will help revitalise our waterways and increase tourism and recreation in Lincolnshire." Jim Bond of the BCU said, "We're hoping to get more people involved in canoeing and kayaking on the River Welland as it's a great outdoor activity for all ages and abilities. New facilities such as this slipway will make it easier for people to get access to the water and we're hoping many more people will take up the sport after this taster day. People with disabilities are especially welcome."