Invasive weed is clogging the waterway
Weed clearance boat at work on Beverley Beck(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
An operation is under way to clear Beverley Beck of an invasive species that has disrupted the local ecology and threatens biodiversity in the area. The aquatic plant water-soldier resembles a pineapple top that remains submerged on the bottom through the colder months.
In the summer, the plants float upwards with their leaves sticking above the surface. Water-soldier is not native to East Yorkshire and has been spread to the Beck since 2020.
Like other problem water plants, it quickly spreads and its dense growth can cause problems for boating, angling and waterfowl, as well as for other biodiversity. To tackle the issue, East Riding Council, in collaboration with Beverley Canal Fishery who lease the fishing along the Beck and the Beverley Historic Barge Society, has commissioned the Rothen Group to clear the plants.
Grant funding for the works has also been received from the Environment Agency. A special weed boat equipped with a forked basket will scoop the plants out of the water onto the bankside for disposal, to be composted.
Moving forwards the council and its partners will look to identify and implement control methods most suited to Beverley Beck, helping to ensure that the water-soldier problem is contained, and does not become an endemic issue. Cllr Paul West, East Riding Council cabinet member for environment and transport said; “We’re dedicated to supporting healthy local ecosystems, and this will play a key role in safeguarding Beverley Beck for wildlife and the local community.”
Daniel Jagucki, Environment Agency projects officer, said: “The Agency has been pleased to provide match funding to the council from its Fisheries Improvement Programme which is funded from the sale of rod licences. Hopefully, the many anglers that fish the Beck, and other users, will benefit from the clearance work.”
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here .