GETTING TO GRIPS: Wetland management for people and wildlife: Timing of Management

Timing of Management	Management Task	Timing
Undertake baseline survey to find out what wildlife is using the site and what the tasks are that need doing and how your bit of the network links into the whole Parish/area.
Periodic Management	Deep silt removal – as necessary. Re-profiling of the banks – where they are too steep or they have been affected by flooding and washed out Removal of trees – when necessary, leave some dead wood on site if possible. NB; Take care with vehicles on the bank edges as these can crush water vole burrows	Winter months – October to March
Annual Management	Vegetation Cutting – the type of cut depends on flood risk but best not to undertake work on both sides in the same year – a 3 yearly rotation is ideal with a cut each side and 1 year off.	Should be done at the end of September/October.
	Light silt removal – carry out only from one side of the bank – taking care with heavy machinery that it doesn’t collapse the bank.	Best carried out in winter months.
	Large debris removal – removal as soon as possible to prevent flooding.	Best done in winter if heavy machinery necessary
Monthly management	Rubbish removal – ensure swift removal of any rubbish to prevent rats	All through the year
Monthly management	Debris removal – speedy removal to prevent flooding	All through the year