River Test Weed Cutting Dates 2020

River Test Weed cutting dates 2020.

Dates for the River Test weed cutting periods have been agreed by the Environment Agency and the Test and Itchen Association for 2019.
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 2019 until 26 April 2020. 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

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.

The Environment Agency has granted consent for the general cutting of weed on the River Test, and approved the dates overleaf. 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

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

Riparian owners are asked to carry out bank maintenance and other works likely to cause displacement […]