Project Partners: Lincolnshire Rivers Trust (lead partner), Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust
Project Leader: Paige Donnelly (Project Officer) | Paige.donnelly@lincsrivers.org.uk
Funders: Environment Agency, Canal and Rivers Trust
Project Objective: The aim of the project is simple, which is to eradicate Floating Pennywort from the Witham Catchment
Project Status: Ongoing since 2020
Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) on the Witham catchment is a big problem for local river users and wildlife. It blocks waterways restricting access and reduces suitable habitat for freshwater species, negatively impacting local biodiversity. It thrives in slow moving watercourses, which allows it to easily settle in the river margins and develop into large floating mats. Aware of the problem, the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust and Environment Agency have been working together to deliver an eradication programme, using specialist contractors.
Fortunately, over the last couple of years, this work has resulted in a decline in the number of patches located and treated, with our most recent report producing evidence of an 25% reduction on the overall biomass of the plant. However, the prolific nature of Floating Pennywort means the job is far from done. Even if a very small piece of the root was missed, it could regrow into a large floating matt, so care and precision when removing it is essential.
Read our project progress report here.
Your river needs you!
If you enjoy walking alongside rivers, and are interested in learning about Floating Pennywort, this might be the role for you!
Get in touch with Paige for more information.
