Reduce stress levels and improve your health and family life by getting down to your local riverside this Easter holiday, says the Environment Agency, as it promotes a new campaign called ‘There’s more to life’, to encourage people to make more use of our rivers and waterways.

Research by Waterscape.com, supported by the Environment Agency, shows that visiting your nearest river is good for your physical and mental wellbeing and your family life too.

And you can find out more by visiting the Outdoor Show at the NEC in Birmingham tomorrow as the Environment Agency promotes the benefits of taking a stroll by the river, a rowing trip with the family, a few hours fishing, or trying out a new water sport.

• Eight out of ten people say they are most happy and relaxed when by the waterside and that this is the most fulfilling way to enjoy time with the family.
• Seven out of ten people say that some of their fondest childhood memories are of time spent by the waterside.
• Promoting riverside activity will benefit the economy as government research shows the direct and indirect cost of inactivity to the British taxpayer is around £8bn per year

The Environment Agency's Marketing Manager Jon Challis said: "Our aim is to work in partnership with all kinds of groups — from boating associations to ramblers — and encourage them to promote their activities and attract more people to our rivers."

Responsible for the upkeep of many of our waterways, the quality of the water and the survival of river and wetland wildlife, the Environment Agency has direct navigation responsibility for 957kms of rivers which can support a host of competitive and 'just for fun' activities.

And because 61% of the British public feel that they do not make the most of their weekends - rising to 70% among those with children - when better to start messing about in boats and by the river than Easter.

And this Easter to make sure your children are safe, the Environment Agency has teamed up with The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to teach children how to be responsible beside water with a new campaign - 'R U A dummy 2?'

For ideas on where to go and things to do visit www.waterscape.com or for more information on our waterways and safety visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/recreation