Anyone with a passion for canoeing on Lough Erne is being called upon by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) to ensure it is maintained in order to provide a quality experience for tourists and the local community.

Northern Ireland boasts Europe's only official canoe trails, therefore providing a unique way of exploring the countryside.

The 50 km Lough Erne Canoe Trail stretches from Muckross on Lower Lough Erne to Crom in Upper Lough Erne.

Launched in May 2005, the Trail has gone from strength to strength, attracting avid canoeists from all over the world.

It offers public access for canoeists to paddle.

The Trail is indicated on a waterproof guide showing associated facilities such as jetties, slipways, car parks and toilets.

At designated access points, information panels provide additional details of its features and that of the surrounding area.

These canoe trails may be paddled as a whole section or in shorter sections.

The Lough Erne Canoe Trail has been a resounding success triumphing in the 'Innovation' category at the Waterways Renaissance Awards 2008, run by The Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association).

To help ensure the canoe trail product continues to represent a quality experience, CAAN is calling on local canoeist and waterway users to join their Volunteer Canoe Ranger scheme.

Its spokesman explained: "The scheme will enable paddlers to report conditions along their local canoe trail (or section of trail) to CAAN on an annual basis. CAAN will then liaise with the relevant landowner should any maintenance issues arise.

It is a great way to help make sure that the canoe facilities in one's area are kept in good order."

For more information log on to www.canoeni.com or to register your interest in becoming an official Volunteer Canoe Ranger contact Eszter Ballo at eszter@countrysiderecreation.com or 028 9030 3935.