Weedcutting Tender Notice 2027-2029

The Board lacks ownership of adopted watercourses and operates under permissive powers, meaning it does not have a duty to maintain them. Riparian owners bear ultimate responsibility. Fundamental drainage law requires accepting natural water flow upstream while preventing obstruction that could cause flooding or dry channels downstream. Under section 23 of the Land Drainage Act 1991 it is an offence to cause an obstruction or alter the flow of any watercourse without the written consent of the Board.

Watercourse maintenance involves annual "brushing" (vegetation removal) during late summer and autumn to ensure winter drainage, conducted late-season to reduce regrowth and protect nesting birds. Mechanical excavators with weed-cutting baskets perform most work, supplemented by hand brushing in inaccessible areas by contracted professionals.

Desilting shifted from a 10-year schedule to an "as needed" basis following mechanical weed-cutting introduction, which reduced silt accumulation requirements.

Spring stop boards maintain elevated water levels through summer months for livestock fencing, crop irrigation, and conservation benefits. Water movement occurs throughout the marsh via board removal/placement and sluice operation. Some of these stop structures have been in existence for hundreds of years with historically consistent management practices.