RIVER WATER-CROWFOOT (RANUNCULUS FLUITANS)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN
OBJECTIVES
Maintain a healthy population where conditions are naturally suitable in the Cheshire region.
LOCAL TARGETS
Targets awaited
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.
CURRENT ACTION
- 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.
ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+
- 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.
ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY
- 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.
ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS
None
OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS
| Angling clubs |
County botanical recorders |
North West Water |
| British Waterways |
Environment Agency |
rECOrd |
| Cheshire Wildlife Trust |
Local groups and individuals |
Riparian landowners and managers |
CONTACT
Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Phone: 01270 610180
Fax: 01270 610430
REFERENCES
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.
Date compiled - 1997
Date reviewed - 1998, 1999, 2001
