Why is maintenance debris left behind?

When carrying out work such as in-channel maintenance, we follow national maintenance standards designed to protect and support the local environment. In line with these standards, weed and reed cuttings are left on site to de-water naturally rather than being removed immediately. This gives aquatic insects, invertebrates, and eels the opportunity to safely return to the watercourse and continue their natural life cycles.

As we deliver a large maintenance programme across many locations, we are unfortunately unable to revisit sites to remove the cuttings once wildlife has had sufficient time to return to the river.

Over the winter months, the cuttings will naturally break down and decompose. Regular grass cutting and ongoing natural processes will also help to reduce their presence, allowing the area to gradually return to its normal appearance.