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Our Work: Invasive Species Removal & Management River Colne & River Stort

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.



Before & After
Before & After

Before & After
Before & After



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