Andrew Mangnall, owner of chaffeur service ETM Executive Cars, has set up Canoe Wild, which sees canoeists paddle on a secluded stretch on the River Stour.

The 44-year-old is hiring out canoes on the riverbank at the George and Dragon pub in Fordwich or The Grove Ferry picnic site, either unaccompanied or with experienced coach Paul Southgate.

Visitors have the choice of paddling for an hour, half-a-day, or a whole day, taking in Kent’s wildlife-rich countryside. Paddlers are usually kept company by herons, marsh harriers and nightingales on the route, which sees the river run alongside Stodmarsh nature reserve.

A keen canoeist, Mr Mangnall says he decided to set up his new venture after a football injury left him “bouncing off the walls”.

He said: “I needed something to do because I was so frustrated spending time indoors. I’ve decided to focus my attention on this because I’ve always loved being out on the canoe. For our honeymoon me and my wife paddled down the River Wye.

“This just gives people time to appreciate Canterbury in a completely different way and just get away from any stress from everyday life.

“I want to engage and inspire people by showing them just what our natural environment can offer us.”

The father-of-three also says he wanted to show his children, Amber, 15, George, 13, and Lucy, 11, what it’s like to run a business in tough economic times.

He added: “They’ve all had a chance to come out on the canoe with me, and George has taken a real interest helping me on Sundays.

“What I really love about it is that I am providing a service and tool for people to have fun. Clients come to me smiling because they are excited about going to do something fun and when they return they are happy and still smiling because of what they have just done, so what job could be more satisfying than giving people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors?”

Mr Mangnall says he is offering the British Canoe Union star award to amateurs and is in talks with homeless charity Porchlight about providing qualifications to rough sleepers.

Canoe Wild hires out open canoes, which take two to three people, for £15 per hour, £45 per half day or £75 for the whole day.Call 01227 469219 for more info.

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