Conservation

This Nature Strategy has been prepared by the Witham and Humber Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in line with the commitment set out in the Implementation Plan of the Defra Internal Drainage Board Review (2007), which encourages IDBs to produce and maintain up-to-date strategy documents for biodiversity and the natural environment.
It demonstrates the Boards’ ongoing commitment, as public authorities, to conserve and enhance biodiversity in accordance with relevant legislation and policy. This includes, but is not limited to, the Environment Act 2021, the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, the 25 Year Environment Plan, and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, as well as requirements associated with Biodiversity Net Gain and the Water Framework Directive.
The Strategy reflects the Boards’ ambition to maximise the contribution of their functions to the protection, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. It seeks to support priority habitats and species identified under national and local frameworks, while delivering wider environmental benefits through the Boards’ day-to-day water level and land management activities. This is achieved through the establishment of clear objectives, measurable actions and, where appropriate, targets aligned with current environmental priorities.

You can contact us about this Nature Strategy by writing to the following address:

Witham & Humber Drainage Boards
Witham House
Meadow Lane
North Hykeham
Lincoln
LN6 9GJ

Or via email: enquiries@witham3idb.gov.uk

Invasive, Non-Native Species

The current status of individual invasive species in Lincolnshire is not well understood, as species are generally only recorded on a site specific basis. As a part of our environmental obligations, we record the presence of invasive species within our drains, and report this annually to the GLNP in an effort to improve understanding.

Invasive species which have the potential to cause problems within our internal drainage district include Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. The main issue with these species from an operational perspective is the disruption to routine maintenance in terms of restriction of access to banks.

From a conservation perspective, invasive species can cause a reduction in diversity and habitat quality, as they often out-compete native flora. Japanese Knotweed in particular spreads very easily-particularly in riparian areas where high water flows can disperse fragments of the plant downstream, where new colonies can form.

It is therefore very difficult and expensive to control and eradicate. Further problems occur during the winter months when the species isn’t present, as it leaves areas of exposed ground, therefore increasing the risk of erosion.