Introduction
This fifth document in the series contains six parts, annexes and tables.
The recommendations will help to reconcile "the often conflicting management and maintenance of water and wetland areas...".
Water and wetland areas are separated into four categories:
- Running water;
- Still water;
- Ornamental water features, and
- Swamps, marshes and mires.
Each of these is described in detail.
The use and purpose of water areas are explained, allowing the reader to identify possible problems and solutions that may impact on their own situation.
To effectively address the different ecosystems that are identified within this document, it would be a good idea to have a long term management plan drawn up as part of overall site management, preferably following advice from an ecologist.
Three main use and purposes are detailed as follows:
1. Conservation:
- Plant life;
- Invertebrates;
- Amphibians and reptiles;
- Fish;
- Mammals;
- Bird life;
- Ecological management.
2. Amenity and recreation use;
3. Functional uses, such as flood control.
Maintenance operations that are undertaken to preserve or enhance the water are are described, including:
- the dredging of lakes and ponds;
- the clearance of watercourses;
- managing ornamental water plantings, such as controlling algae;
- controlling erosion on banks and shorelines;
- maintaining waterside structures such as culverts;
- litter clearance, etc.
A table summarises an appropriate inspection and maintenance regime for the different types of operations.
Annexes include references to relevant legislation and also lists of plants found, and suitable for planting, in and around water areas.
These checklists will prove useful when undertaking site assessments and site enhancement proposals.