Understand
Boaters call for action as invasive floating pennywort blocks the River Avon
Overview
Boating communities and marina representatives in Gloucestershire are demanding urgent action to remove the invasive non-native plant floating pennywort from the River Avon. The plant, which can grow up to 20cm a day, is wrapping around boat propellers, causing damage, and completely blocking waterways in certain areas. While the Environment Agency states that responsibility largely falls on adjacent landowners, it has established a Catchment Action Group alongside organizations like the Avon Navigation Trust to help coordinate removal efforts with volunteers.
Key points
- Boaters at Tewkesbury Marina are reporting frequent issues with floating pennywort wrapping around propellers and causing damage.
- Floating pennywort is an invasive South American plant that has been illegal to purchase or grow in the wild in the UK since 2014.
- The plant can grow up to 20cm a day, blocking waterways and depriving underlying plants and animals of light and oxygen.
- The Environment Agency states that managing the plant is the responsibility of adjacent landowners, though it supports removal efforts where resources allow.
- The Environment Agency and the Avon Navigation Trust have formed the River Avon Catchment Action Group to work with volunteers and landowners on removal.
- The Avon Navigation Trust plans to clear the Mill Avon section of the river in the coming weeks.