The River Mole - Enjoy It While You Still Can!

One of the most peaceful rivers I've ever paddled is under threat, as budget concerns from the already underfunded Environment Agency could lead to draining the river to something that will more resemble a stream. Enjoy this incredibly beautiful, quiet paddle route before it is lost forever.
Map of route: bit.ly/RiverMole
Info and updates from Environment Agency: bit.ly/MoleFloodScheme
Boating Equipment Used:
Kayak - Itiwit X500 tidd.ly/3gEXm0x
(I did a full review of this boat here bit.ly/ItiwitX500)
Paddle - Itiwit X500 - tidd.ly/36PaRc0
PFD/ lifejacket tidd.ly/364EOo9
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Filmed and edited by Stevie Wyatt
Original music written and produced by Stevie Wyatt
All rights reserved
Filming Equipment Used:
Main Camera Sony a6400 geni.us/SonyA6400w
Wide lens geni.us/Sigma16w
Tight lens geni.us/Sigma30
Lightweight tripod geni.us/JobyLight
Action Camera geni.us/Insta360GO2
Audio field recorder, with lav mic geni.us/ZoomF1w
Edited in Davinci Resolve bit.ly/DavinciRes18
On a Mac Mini M1 geni.us/MacMiniM1w
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/ Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from sales at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for supporting the channel //
Follow me on Instagram bit.ly/instaStevie
More from my channel bit.ly/StevieWyatt
#savethemole #kayaking #paddleboarding

[@lauragriffithsoutdoors]

I watch so few people on KZbin but I really enjoy your video’s so much, so peaceful and so calming. Even when raising matters close to your heart, so eloquent

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much Laura. I'm a big fan of your channel too 🙌

[@venzelaar]

I have done that route with my X500 a couple of times, and as you said a haven of tranquillity! Such a shame that some agencies/government think if they don't spend money for years and years that the problem will never be there. As you said the River Mole could do with a tidy up by chain saw, and the structures for water management need maintaining continuously. It unfortunately going to leave the whole area poorer if any other than the RED option is chosen. I wrote to my local MP in Elmbridge on funding of the canals and all I got was the box standard government reply - no money, need to be self-sufficient. Such short-sightedness will make things so much worse for all in the long run. Keep highlighting these issues and maybe get this in the local papers too!!

[@seanduffy3875]

Maybe societies are needed not lumbering government departments. The EA has done an excellent job with the locks and lock keepers on the Thames. A River Mole Society could benefit the River Mole itself. Organise volunteers who are trained to use chainsaws and boats to clear the path. Other bigger issues with the River Mole would need more thought but a Society would be a step in the right direction

[@brettb7661]

Thanks Stevie, nice video. The Mole is magical, such a sense of wilderness in the middle of suburbia. Let's hope the EA see sense and don't destroy it.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks 🙏

[@Bridgewatercafechips]

Stevie, your videos are inspiring and have been the impetus for some great days paddling for us in beautiful places I would have never have known about, Cheers!

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks so much, glad to hear it 🙏

[@TheDavidgweeden]

Thanks chap. Id love to bump into you one day on these local rivers. Will check out the route

[@MadDogGiraffe]

I used to live in Surbiton and the Mole was my go to for fishing; these plans would have such an impact; it is so hard to believe there are options that will change the river in such a way to cause so much impact and harm. Keep pushing the Red option Stephen.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks!

[@hikerwoody182]

since COVID the popularity of kayaking and SUP boards has massively increased, hopefully the additional revenue taken for the waterways license may help

[@StevieWyatt]

A good point!

[@Pixster78]

This river doesn't require a license, so I am not sure of license money would go towards it.

[@arthurglynn-reeves5895]

Thanks for another vid. 😁 You always find such interesting places. Hope it doesnt disappear before I can venture south.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks mate 🙏

[@Defender23AD]

Hi Stevie another great video, really peaceful and tranquil and just down the road from me we have done it a few times but quite a lot of wiremesh where the fisherman go on the river bank makes it more of a problem for damaging. When we went up a few weeks ago, we saw loads of kingfishers (despite the kids in the canoe ) which will sadly all go if the river level drops to not be able to sustain the food source for all these lovely creatures.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! Yeah I saw a couple of Kingsfisher while shooting this video. I tried to capture them but it is so hard! You're right, it would be another tragic loss to the Mole. Kingfisher are struggling downstream on the Thames too because of sewage releases. They can't win.

[@Ellie-rx3jt]

Did you park in the recreation ground car park? I think there's a height restriction, which is a bit awkward with my hardshells, but I'm assuming that's why you took the inflatable! Also just wanted to say thanks for all these videos. My brother and I paddled the Basingstoke canal for a couple of days last week, which I never would have found out about without you!

[@brettb7661]

That would be the rec car park by Hersham bridge - has a 2.1m barrier.

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks, I'm glad you did the Basingstoke, it's one of my favourites. Yes that is exactly where I parked. I can fit under the barrier with my rigid kayak on the roof of a ford focus, but for bigger vehicles it's a problem.

[@Ellie-rx3jt]

​@@StevieWyatt Thanks. Unfortunately my work van is my only vehicle so I'm kinda screwed on height barriers 😅

[@Pixster78]

We were going to head out onto the Mole today, a last minute change saw us on the Thames from Walton on Thames to Hampton. A good day out but I suspect a little bit choppier than the mole, a few too many party boats speeding through.

[@StevieWyatt]

Yeah, I love Walton to Hampton but it does get busy and windy. I highly recommend the Mole

[@Pixster78]

yes definitely very busy, a very different experience to the Wey and Basingstoke canal. I think I'll be aiming to jump in near the Stepping Stones.

[@Georgeconna32]

The river is being returned to it former glory, Not the Stagnant slow canal it is now. Embrace it. People have gotten used to this Artificial river.

[@StevieWyatt]

Honestly, whatever option the EA go with I will embrace it. Because it is my local river. I just think it would be a shame to lose the perspective of enjoying it from on the water. But I have to challenge this idea of it being returned to its "former glory" though. The natural state of the Mole is that it would disappear in summer, then be a raging, flooding torrent in winter. (It's even suggested that it's tendency to disappear and reappear is why it was nicknamed the "Mole"). So whatever option the EA settle on, will literally be "artificial". If you really want it to return to it's natural glory, then you should hope your house isn't nearby!

[@Simon_W74]

Something needs to be done with Councils to make them bring all services back in house as they once were, as it takes a lot of Council Taxpayer to cover the profits that each company that puts in a Tendering Contract in and is awarded, The money saved would hopefully help make our spaces what they once were again. The same with Water Companies. We pay a lot more money these days and get very little back for it. As for dropping the levels of the river that would have a massive impact on wildlife, as the river wouldn't be able to support what is currently there, and the numbers of each species that lives there would decrease. It looks like there needs to be a Local Group of Volunteers set up by those that use the river to clear the trees if practical and allow recreational users the ability to go farther up stream. Hopefully the so called Environment Agency will help preserve the river and replace the old Sluice Gates so the River can be enjoyed for many generations to come. As it does look like an Idyllic place to while away time on the water.

[@StevieWyatt]

100% agree. My council tax has gone up, my income tax has gone up, my water bills have gone up, and my river licence has gone up. Yet all I ever hear is budgets are being cut because there is no money! It literally doesn't add up

[@Simon_W74]

@@StevieWyatt yet nobody ever really audits them to see where money is being spent or wasted as it is more likely to be.Yet we are expected to pay more and more and get even less back than before. As you say something really is not right, and doesn't add up.

[@seanduffy3875]

Thanks for the video and the information Steve! Tranquil and easy going. Would a River Mole Society help, at least/first with helping to clear it up. Relying on large government bodies such as the EA isn't always best/fair on them. They do a good job with the Locks down the Thames. A more localised response could be more beneficial and help save costs. Educated people who a passionate about the River Mole may be what it needs

[@StevieWyatt]

Thanks! Yeah I agree. The EA do a great job, and even with this they have been really diligent in listening to all river users and looking at ways they can mitigate water level drops to reduce the impact on recreational use. But I think ultimately budget is a huge factor. And yes, I think a Mole Society is a great idea. I found there is a 'Friends of the Mole' group that monitors water quality etc., but something that encompasses all river users - walkers, paddlers, anglers, residents, swimmers, bird watchers, etc etc could have a louder voice.

[@Flowerpoweredoutdoors]

This is one of my local rivers too.. I’ve often walked around the common by Garson farm along the banks there and wanted to go further up stream when the path leaves the river… it’s about time I got a kayak! Especially as I live 50m from the Thames! Is the lower mole conservation trust still a thing? I did some work experience with them dredging ponds many years ago. Maybe they are or would like to get involved in a campaign? Your video will certainly help 👍✊

[@StevieWyatt]

You should definitely get yourself a kayak, such a different perspective from the water. And very peaceful 🙂

[@Flowerpoweredoutdoors]

@@StevieWyatt look out for me on an itiwit x100… ordering one based on your review cheers 😀

[@StevieWyatt]

Will do, see you on the river @@Flowerpoweredoutdoors

[@focusmicro]

Wht is the best time of day to park up at the carpark next to the river on your map sir?

[@StevieWyatt]

It's open all day, and even when it's busy I always find a space. Peak times seem to be early evening when the local football and tennis clubs are using the fields

[@focusmicro]

Where to launch and park from exactly for this river please?

[@focusmicro]

Sorry! just saw the link haha Thank you!