Byelaws, codes of conduct, policies and FAQs

Byelaws

Use of the Country Park is governed by the Grand Western Canal Country Park Byelaws, most recently revised in 1999.

Codes of Conduct

The Canal Ranger Service has established two Codes of Conduct to promote the safe and considerate use of both the towpath and the canal channel by all users.

These codes have been developed in partnership with representatives from boating, angling, and wildlife interest groups, and have been endorsed by the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee.

Availability

  • The Towpath Code of Conduct is included in Visitor Information Guides and displayed on notice boards along the towpath.
  • The Waterway Code of Conduct is available as a leaflet from the Canal Visitor Centre.

The Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS)

Canal Rangers at the Grand Western Canal Country Park, Tiverton, have been granted limited policing powers under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).

The CSAS has operated across Devon and Cornwall since 2005.

These accreditations enable Rangers to assist in addressing low-level anti-social behaviour and to support the promotion of a safe and secure environment for all canal users and the wider community.

Accredited Powers

The powers conferred under the scheme are proportionate to the needs of the canal and surrounding area and include the authority to:

  • Require the name and address of any person acting in an anti-social manner

Failure to comply with such a request constitutes a formal offence.

Identification

Accredited Rangers can be identified by:

  • Official CSAS insignia displayed on their uniform
  • A police-issued identification badge
  • An identification card detailing their accredited powers

Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who has priority on the towpath?

    Who has priority on the towpath?

    A horse-drawn barge operates between the Canal Basin in Tiverton and Tiverton Road Bridge near Halberton. It has priority over all other users.

    Cyclists must dismount and walk under bridges along this section, as visibility is restricted. Stopping the horse may cause the barge to lose steering.

    At all other bridges:

    • Pedestrians have priority
    • Cyclists must take care and are advised to dismount
    • Dismounting is mandatory at the two bridges in Sampford Peverell
  • Are dogs allowed at the Canal?

    Are dogs allowed?

    Yes, dogs are permitted within the Country Park. However:

    • Dogs must be kept under control at all times
    • They must not disturb wildlife, other dogs, or visitors
    • Dogs must be kept out of adjacent farmland
    • Owners must clean up after their dogs

    Dog waste bins are provided at key access points. Failure to clean up after a dog is an offence and may result in a fine of up to £1,000.

  • Can I swim in the Canal?

    Can I swim in the canal?

    No. Swimming and bathing are prohibited under the Country Park byelaws.

  • Can I magnet fish on the Canal?

    Can I magnet fish?

    Yes, provided that:

    • Wildlife and other users are not disturbed
    • All items brought in are removed
    • Significant or potentially valuable finds are reported

    Contact the Canal Ranger Service:
    📞 01884 254072
    ✉️ gwcanal@devon.gov.uk

  • Can I metal detect in the Country Park?

    Can I metal detect?

    Metal detecting is currently permitted in publicly accessible areas (e.g. picnic sites and towpath verges), subject to the following conditions:

    All finds remain the property of Devon County Council unless otherwise agreed.

    Permission may be withdrawn in future due to environmental funding conditions or management concerns.

  • Can I use my electric bike on the towpath?

    Can I use an electric bike?

    Yes, provided the bike meets the following criteria:

    • Maximum assisted speed: 25 km/h (15.5 mph)
    • Maximum motor output: 250 watts
    • Pedals must be in motion for motor assistance
  • Can I fly my drone in the Country Park?

    Can I fly a drone?

    No. Drone use is not permitted without a specific licence from Devon County Council.

    Drone use is restricted due to:

    • Proximity to public rights of way
    • Safety risks to visitors
    • The potential to spook horses pulling the barge
  • Can I release a balloon or lantern at the Country Park?

    Can I release balloons or lanterns?

    No. Devon County Council prohibits the release of balloons and lanterns due to risks to wildlife, livestock, and fire safety.

  • Do you have a General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) policy?

    Do you have a GDPR policy?

    Yes. A privacy notice is available for Grand Western Canal Country Park users.

Privacy policy for Grand Western Canal Country Park customers.