RIVER WATER-CROWFOOT
(RANUNCULUS FLUITANS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
Links
to associated HAPs
None
Current
Status
River water-crowfoot, Ranunculus
fluitans, is an internationally important species. Britain has a high proportion,
more than 20% of the world's population. River water-crowfoot needs a stony
substrate with shallow, swift-flowing, oxygen-rich water, clean and free of
pollutants.
River water-crowfoot was introduced
to the Countdown Programme in 1997. To date an LBAP Action Group is yet to be
formed. Individuals or groups interested in being part of the pending action
are welcome.
Threats
- Physical change to the depth and
flow of rivers.
- Physical damage to the plant through
recreational activities.
- Pollution, decline in water quality.
How are
we helping to conserve River water-crowfoot in the Cheshire region?
- There is little current action
aimed specifically at river water-crowfoot.
- Water quality monitoring and river
corridor surveys are carried out by the Environment Agency.
- Records are regularly collected
by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust and other groups, and are collated by the County
Recorder.
-
Objectives,
Targets and Actions
OBJECTIVES
|
LOCAL
TARGETS
|
|
Maintain
a healthy population where conditions are naturally suitable in the Cheshire
region.
|
Targets awaited |
ACTIONS
REQUIRED
|
- Form a Local BAP Action
Group for the river water-crowfoot.
- Ensure that water quality
and quantity are maintained at sites where this species is currently
found, and that these areas are protected from damaging activities.
- Raise awareness of the issues
affecting river water-crowfoot and the need to maintain clean, healthy
rivers with shallows and stony substrates.
- Undertake survey work to
establish current distribution of this species.
- Inclusion of species requirements
into Local Environment Agency Plans.
|
Progress
so far
| 1997
- 2006 Action Completed |
- In May 1999 a complete survey
of the main River Gowy was carried out by Chester University students
for the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. 41 sites were identified.
|
Contact
details
References
& Glossary
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity:
The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2:Action Plans,
London.
Newton, A. (1971): Flora of Cheshire, Cheshire Community Council.
Newton, A. (1990): Supplement to Flora of Cheshire.
