River weed cutting
- River ranuculus is an important part of the chalk stream ecosystem with its habitat for trout and a diverse range of invertebrates.
- It provides shade and cover for trout from predators. As the chalk stream is an incredibly fertile environment, in the summer months the ranuculus weed can grow at a remarkable rate. It can then choke the stream with its density. As the water flow slows, silt is then deposited on the chalk gravel. Trout will only breed in clear stretches of gravel in the autumn.
- Weed cutting has always been an important part of the management by River Keepers looking after chalk streams. On designated dates during the summer, the weed is cut by hand starting sequentially up-stream.
- Sharp scythes are used to neatly shorten the trailing weed. Clumps of cut weed then float downstream.
- The weed is then ‘cleared down’ by the River Keepers, to prevent it rotting, if any has been caught up on obstructions or the banks.
- Within a couple of hours after the work in each section, the river is flowing perfectly, sparkling again in the sunshine.