Site: Invasive Species Removal & Management
Date: Since April 2019 to date
Introduction
The Rothen Group have worked with Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency & local River Authorities including River Colne Catchment Action Network, River Stort and Woosh Canoe Club to manage and remove invasive species.
The Project
Mobilising and operating up to 16 weed boats with experienced operators
Understanding access restrictions, working on busy navigational waterways and liaising with general public
Dealing with a range of invasive species
‘Innovative thinking’ and versatility to generate an effective & efficient standard of work resulting in high productivity
Designing our boats to be able to deal with floating weed, thick blankets of weed, submerged weed and marginal reeds
Being proactive with working to a set route & plan, but reactive to ‘hotspots’
Daily and weekly reporting to liaise with CRT and other third parties
Alongside this we supplied tugs, hoppers & helmsman to move the collected weed for disposal.
In 2020 we have successfully started composting the weed
Approach
The different types of invasive species required different approaches and The Rothen Groups variety of specialist weed removal kit offered this.
Hand removal with rakes & nets was required to reach under overhanging vegetation and between boats where plant cannot access but weed can amalgamate.
A spraying programme was also used once the weed had been removed for treat any regrowth. This was combined effort was highly effective as the spray was more targeted and therefore effective.
During the projects that run each year we have developed a greater understanding of the problem and potential solutions. This year we have trialled floating pennywort clearance in February to get ahead of the growth curve before nesting birds prevent clearance (and therefore allowed the plant to take hold) and before the warmer weather encourages increased growth rates.
