Invasive water-soldier plant cleared from Beverley Beck

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

An invasive aquatic plant that has spread through Beverley Beck since 2020 is being removed using specialist equipment.

An invasive aquatic plant called water-soldier is being removed from Beverley Beck in East Yorkshire following its spread through the waterway since 2020. The plant disrupts the local ecology and threatens biodiversity, affecting boating, angling and waterfowl as well as other wildlife. Water-soldier resembles a pineapple top, remaining submerged during winter months before floating to the surface in summer.

East Riding Council has commissioned the Rothen Group to undertake the clearance in collaboration with Beverley Canal Fishery and the Beverley Historic Barge Society. A special weed boat equipped with a forked basket scoops the plants from the water onto the bankside for disposal through composting. The work is partly funded by a grant from the Environment Agency, which uses money raised from selling fishing licences.

Cllr Paul West, East Riding Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said the council was 'dedicated to supporting healthy local ecosystems' through the work. Daniel Jagucki from the Environment Agency stated that anglers and other users of the Beck would benefit from the clearance. The council and its partners plan to identify and implement long-term control methods to prevent water-soldier from becoming endemic in the waterway.

How it is being reported

• Invasive plant removed from town's waterwayThe invasive water soldier threatens plants and animals in Beverley Beck, the council says.BBC Humberside · 13 Oct, 11:57
• Battle lines drawn at Beverley Beck to free it from ‘water-soldier’Invasive weed is clogging the waterwayHull Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 09:36

In this story: Beverley Beck · East Riding of Yorkshire Council · Environment Agency · Beverley Canal Fishery · Beverley Historic Barge Society · East Yorkshire

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