Current status
Grass-wrack pondweed is a species of still or slow flowing, calcareous, mesotrophic water and it has been recorded from rivers, canals, ox-bows, drainage ditches and lowland lakes. Flowers and fruits are produced rather sparingly, with plants in grazing marsh ditches perhaps producing more than those in other habitats. New plants are generally formed from turions (reduced branches) which begin to develop in late June.
The distribution of this species is concentrated in central England, the Welsh borders and the Norfolk coast, but it has also been recorded from Scotland and is widespread elsewhere in Europe. It has been in decline for a long period in Britain.
In GB this species is now classified as Nationally Scarce. It receives general protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Eutrophication of its aquatic habitats.
Neglect and drying out of canals and ditches.
Increase in pleasure boat traffic and associated disturbance and pollution.
Current action
Off-line reserves have been created beside the Montgomery Canal (eastern Wales) for this and other species. However, the value of this measure in the long term is as yet unclear.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain the geographical range of grass-wrack pondweed in the UK.
Enhance the total population size of grass-wrack pondweed in the UK.
Facilitate colonisation of new sites.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Consider how relevant agri-environment schemes could benefit grass-wrack pondweed. (ACTION: MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Ensure that the requirements of this species are considered during the production of relevant Local Environment Agency Plans and examine applicability of catchment plans to Scotland. (ACTION: EA, SEPA, SNH)
Site safeguard and management
Consider the value of buffer strips and other measures alongside watercourses in reducing the impacts of nutrient enrichment and pollution on key populations of grass-wrack pondweed. These measures are likely to be most valuable in Broadland, where grass-wrack pondweed grows in drainage ditches that are highly vulnerable to eutrophication. (ACTION: Broads Authority, CCW, EA, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
As far as possible, ensure that no further sites for grass-wrack pondweed are lost through water abstraction, land drainage or inappropriate watercourse management. (ACTION: EA, IDBs)
Devise and implement measures to restrict boat traffic speed in areas where grass-wrack pondweed occurs. Provide off-line refuges where appropriate. (ACTION: British Waterways, Broads Authority, EA)
Ensure that the requirements of grass-wrack pondweed are considered during canal restoration work. (ACTION: British Waterways)
Species management and protection
Assess the feasibility and desirability of re-establishing grass-wrack pondweed at suitable sites from which it has been lost. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Advisory
Advise landowners and managers who manage waters containing grass-wrack pondweed of its presence, importance and appropriate management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, EA, NE, SEPA, SNH)
As far as possible, ensure that all agri-environment project officers and members of appropriate liaison groups and partner organisations are advised of locations of this species, its importance and appropriate management for its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, NE, MAFF, SNH, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Future Research and Monitoring
Collate information, and resurvey sites where necessary to determine the current distribution and status of grass-wrack pondweed in Britain. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Undertake detailed ecological recording at selected viable sites with a view to improving understanding of the requirements of grass-wrack pondweed and refining techniques for its conservation. (ACTION: JNCC)
Where possible, undertake monitoring to determine the effectiveness of the relevant agri-environment schemes in improving water quality and in assisting with the conservation of threatened aquatic plants such as grass-wrack pondweed. Use the results to aid the review process of various schemes. (ACTION: EA, JNCC, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Investigate the impact of boat traffic speed on grass-wrack pondweed populations. (ACTION: British Waterways, Broads Authority, EA)
Communications and Publicity
Raise awareness amongst boating groups of the presence and importance of grass-wrack pondweed. (ACTION: CCW, NE, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p217)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species