How can I find out who owns a stretch of water?

[Kermit power]

Morning All,

I am planning to go crayfish trapping in rivers & canals nearby. I have all the details of how to get a licence from the Environment Agency and everything, but they also say permission is required from the landowner.

Where this isn't immediately obvious - such as where it's running through the middle of National Trust land or something - does anyone know how I can find out who the owner is?

[spurs-442]

How about the Land Registery?

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/

[Kermit power]

spurs-442 said:

How about the Land Registery?

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/

That only seems to work if you're trying to identify the owner of an actual building?

[DickyC]

When I was finding sites for photo shoots I just asked around. Houses nearby, in the pub and so on.

Alternatively, in your case, just start fishing and the owner will miraculously appear.

[SJobson]

Kermit power said:

spurs-442 said:

How about the Land Registery?

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/

That only seems to work if you're trying to identify the owner of an actual building?

It's for land rather than buildings - the clue is in the name, being Land Registry. You might have to do a search of the index map, which is a fiver, before obtaining the title, which is another £4 for the register and £4 for the plan.

[DickyC]

http://www.bing.com/search?q=who+owns+fishing+righ...

it should lead you to

www.dcal-fishingni.gov.uk/how_to_search_for_owners...

Edited by DickyC on Wednesday 23 June 10:06

[randlemarcus]

Mine's easy - I have to ask Sarah Beeny

[Kermit power]

SJobson said:

Kermit power said:

spurs-442 said:

How about the Land Registery?

http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/

That only seems to work if you're trying to identify the owner of an actual building?

It's for land rather than buildings - the clue is in the name, being Land Registry. You might have to do a search of the index map, which is a fiver, before obtaining the title, which is another £4 for the register and £4 for the plan.

I tried doing a map search. I put in the nearest street and town to the waterway. It said "too many buildings. Please enter a building number".

I'm sure you can find out from the Land Registry somehow, but not, apparently, through their website.

[Reload]

DickyC said:

Alternatively, in your case, just start fishing and the owner will miraculously appear.

Or the gamekeeper complete with shotgun and dog. Not worth the hassle.

Land Registry will be able to tell you. Find the grid reference on an ordanance survey map. Contact the Land Registry who will be able to advise you on the correct form to fill out (they're all available online). Then send it off with the correct fee and they'll provide you with the info.

Alternatively, as I've done in the past, just knock on any nearby doors. Most people are willing to assist where they can.

On another note, make sure that the licence you apply for from the Environment Agency definitely covers what you are planning to do. They're getting tough on licences now and fines can be hefty if you don't have the correct documentation.

[Kermit power]

Reload said:

On another note, make sure that the licence you apply for from the Environment Agency definitely covers what you are planning to do. They're getting tough on licences now and fines can be hefty if you don't have the correct documentation.

On this bit at least, I know I'm good! They have a specific form - Form CF1 - just for crayfish.