Help save the last remaining river access point in Chepstow

The pontoons and walkways in Chepstow are used all year round by rivercraft users, such as canoeists, barges, emergency services and anglers and other boating enthusiasts for leisure pursuits and essential services. They were built in 1994 by the community of enthusiastic local volunteers at this location, based on local knowledge as it was the safest place for exit and entry to the water and are now in need of urgent refurbishment.

Chepstow has been an historic port for generations and at one time had about five access slips. They once served thriving industries which ranged from corn and bobbins mills, wool, wine, wood to papermills. Chepstow was where owners of boats paid their taxes and business was good. We only have the pontoon in use now to demonstrate Chepstow's once bustling trade. Evidence of this is clearly seen in The Chepstow Society's Town Trail and at the local museum. The Town Slip has barriers installed due to flood defences and therefore unusable for boaters and rivercraft users. The map below is available from the National Library of Scotland, if you are interested.

The River Wye is one of the UK's top 5 longest rivers (and is tidal from Bigsweir). It has a tidal range of almost 15m, which creates incredibly strong currents. For boaters and riverbank users, who enjoy using the area around the lower River Wye, this is the last possible exit point until they reach the River Severn estuary; that is why the Severn Area Rescue Association use it regularly for rescues, evacuations and training purposes.

We know that the pontoon also plays a preventative role contributing to water safety as one of the few safe landing points on the River Wye. Crucially, the pontoon is an important access point for Emergency Services when casualties recovered from the river in the vicinity of the town need to be landed quickly and handed over to waiting Ambulance crews. This point has been brought starkly into focus over the years during multi-agency incidents when the absence of the pontoon hampered rapid recovery of a casualty to waiting Ambulance crews.

Brian Oxenham SARA Beachley Lifeboat Manager

How much do we need? The pontoons were removed in November 2024. We have been in touch with companies for quotes. We estimate material costs and specialist labour, if needed, to bring the cost to £20,000. We have approached Chepstow Town Council for a community grant, and are awaiting the next round to see if we have been successful, as well as local businesses. We know times are tight, so whatever you can afford we will be extremely grateful. If you are a business and could give a little more to help reach our target, then any donation over £100 will ensure a mention of your business name in all our social media accounts (Facebook / website).

Please help us in making the lower River Wye safer for our community and those visiting this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!

Chepstow Boat Club