Environmental Standard Operating Procedure 19
Parrots Feather Eradication
Waterways of the Broads have unique
and important water plant communities.
Working practices aim to prevent the
spread of invasive plant species and
minimise their impact native species and
the waterways.
Standard
 The whole plant to be removed - leaves,
stems AND root;
 No roots to be left in the bank. If
resistance is felt when gently pulling STOP. Feel down the stem until the roots
can be gently teased out;
 Avoid fragments floating away by using
hand-held nets to collect pieces or net
across the whole channel downstream;
 If using a mechanical excavator, dig
down into the bank material to remove
fixed roots;
 Do not leave removed material on the
bankside, if there is a risk of flooding.
Preferably dig a pit and completely bury
the material or remove from site;
 Ensure that all equipment and PPE is
cleaned to avoid spreading
sites.
Aim
Eradication of infestations of Parrots Feather
at priority locations.
Spreading
removal/spraying to remove growth;
Likelihood
High
 Bankside growth can be sprayed with
Mitigation
No works
fragments within
during high
site
flow, use nets
to stop
fragments
Removal of native
plant species
Medium
Staff training
and issue
plant ID cards.
Consultation
BA - Waterways Conservation, Countryside
Rangers
Delivery method
 Hand pulling/mechanical
Environmental Impact
Impact
between
Glyphosate, following EA approval;
 Repeat method, or combination of
above, until re-growth stops;
 Removal process starts in spring;
 Ongoing monitoring throughout the
year;
Further Information
http://www.nonnativespecies.org/
Checks:
External Consultation completed
Internal Consultation completed