Floating pennywort, a non-native invasive species which was introduced to the UK by the aquatic trade in the 1980s, grows into large floating mats of dense foliage that smothers waterways. It causes major problems for boaters, anglers and wildlife on the navigation, and also across the 2,000 miles of canals and waterways we care for in England and Wales, as it steals sunlight, smothers habitats and crowds out native plants, as well as getting tangled in boat propellors.
But thanks to a £105k Landfill Communities Fund grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust, which was secured with the help of a £10k contribution from United Utilities, work is set to begin on targeting the removal of the invasive species on the River Weaver Navigation, between Winsford and Acton Bridge.
The project
The project, which is being led by us, is due to start later this year. The money will help pay for the mechanical removal of pennywort, using an amphibious weed cutter, and to train local community groups and volunteers in paddle craft skills, so they will be able to use canoes to remove the invasive species from the water.
There will also be a trial scheme to release thousands of tiny weevils, a type of beetle, on one of the arms of the river, which will eat away at large swathes of the greenery and offer a natural and environmentally friendly way to help tackle the non-native species.
The Weaver Gowy Catchment Partnership hosted by Groundwork CLM, which includes the Angling Trust, Canal & River Trust, Environment Agency, Groundwork and United Utilities, highlighted the ongoing issue of floating pennywort to help secure the funding.
Benefiting wildlife and canal users
Liz Ostrowski, our business & corporate engagement partner, explains: “We are grateful to the Veolia Environmental Trust for enabling us to deliver this vital piece of work on the River Weaver Navigation. Invasive species like floating pennywort are a massive headache for our charity, as well as boaters, anglers and precious wildlife, every summer.
“The River Weaver Navigation is enjoyed by so many people all year round and is home to some wonderful wildlife and plants, so this work will benefit all types of canal user, and we’re really excited to get this project underway.”
Protecting our waterways
Every year we remove over 2,500 tonnes of invasive weed across canals and river navigations, at a cost of more than £1 million, including from the River Weaver Navigation, which runs 20-miles from Winsford Bridge to the Manchester Ship Canal.
Emma Birch, Area Engagement Lead for Cheshire at United Utilities, added: “We are delighted that our initial contribution of £10k has been used to unlock such a significant amount of funding from the Veolia Environmental Trust. In securing this additional amount the Canal & River Trust have demonstrated the value of working together. At United Utilities we want to work in partnership with communities to protect our water bodies for generations to come."
