River Test Weed Cutting Dates 2023

River Test Weed cutting dates 2023.

Dates for the River Test weed cutting periods have been agreed by the Environment Agency and the Test and Itchen Association for 2023.
Cutting will start at the top of the river  with slight changes as we move further down the system.

WINTER OPEN PERIOD

Weed may be cut any time after 14 October until 26 April. Owners are asked to ensure that cutting is completed before trout spawning begins and that bank side vegetation is not allowed to fall in the river.

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Cutting should start at the beginning of the dates allowed. Please inform your downstream
neighbour when you have finished clearing off and of any subsequent problems. Regular
communication with your neighbours upstream and downstream is essential to ensure trouble-free
weed cutting and clearing down. Weed cutting boats should finish one day before the end of each
cutting period.

2. The Environment Agency has granted consent for the general cutting of weed on the River Test. In
the event of low river flows (and high water temperatures) the Environment Agency may
request that weed cuts are postponed or reduced in extent in order to maintain water levels
and quality. Cutting of weed outside of the authorised dates, without the Agency’s consent,
constitutes an offence under Section 90 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

3. Grass cuttings and bank trimmings must NEVER be put into the river. Depositing any form of solid
waste in the river, including bankside vegetation, is strictly prohibited under Sections 85 and 90 of
the Water Resources Act 1991.

4. Riparian owners are asked to carry out bank maintenance and other works likely to cause
displacement of silt before Christmas, to avoid damage to spawning. The advice of the Agency
should be sought before the commencement of any work and the necessary land drainage
consents obtained.

5. Weed cutting should be undertaken in a manner which is sensitive to the needs of the river habitat.
Overzealous or indiscriminate cutting of river weed or marginal vegetation can negatively impact
habitat for healthy fly life, fish and other wildlife.

6. Above all else, be considerate and use your common sense. Do not send downstream what you
would not want to receive from upstream.

Jonny Rees-Davies
Executive Director

CONTACT POINTS IN CASE OF DIFFICULTIES

The Association’s Volunteer River Test Wardens may be contacted on the following mobile numbers on the dates
indicated. Please contact the T&I Office outside these dates if you have any weed cut issues.
Lt Col Nigel de Foubert 07796 622208 During the weed cut
Tbc Tbc During the clear down
Lt Col Keith Fisher 07711 931812 The three days after clear down.

River Test & Itchen Association.

DownLoad  Here

Weedcutting

Sector A: River Test from source to the A34 bridge near Whitchurch and Bourne

Sector B1: River Test from the A34 bridge near Whitchurch to top of Middleton Estate at Longparish

Rivers Anton, Pillhill and Dever

Sector B2: River Test from top of Middleton Estate at Longparish to top of Wherwell Priory (B3420)

Sector C: River Test from top of Wherwell Priory (B3420) to the boundary between Leckford Estate and the Houghton Club at Longstock

Sector D: River Test from boundary between Leckford Estate and the Houghton Club at Longstock to the road between Horsebridge and Bossington Mill

Sector E: River Test from the road between Horsebridge and Bossington Mill to the weed boom at Greatbridge plus Wallop Brook

RIVER DUN: from source to confluence with River Test at Kimbridge

Sector F: River Test from the weed boom at Greatbridge to the sea.