We are aquatic weed control specialists. Our approach to aquatic weed control is to specify the type and severity of the weed infestation and often focuses on solving the problem by targeting the source of the occurrence.
One of the prime reasons for infestation is poor lake ecology, a catalyst for weed and algae problems.
We use ecologically sensitive techniques and have the necessary knowledge, specialist aquatic equipment and practical expertise to undertake any situation regardless of pond or lake size. This involves biological identification and assessment of the weed infestation, followed by practical, efficiently executed solutions.
MECHANICAL WEED REMOVAL - LAKE-RAKE TECHNOLOGY
We are currently the only aquatic management company in the UK to offer this unique control service for submerged weed. Developed due to our environmentally sensitive policy which avoids the use of herbicides. Traditional weed cutting (which in our opinion has a similar effect to mowing the garden lawn) leads to unsatisfactory, short term results, rapid weed regrowth, along with lots of floating debris which is difficult to clear.
LAKE-RAKE TECHNOLOGY
Lake-rake technology employs a bespoke designed, fully adjustable aquatic rake, suitable for all manner of rooted aquatic weeds and invasive water plant species. Used in conjunction with our super powerful, unlimited reach winch we can remove most species of rooted weed and invasive aquatic plants.
THE PROCESS
The lake-rake is boated out over the submerged weed bed to the target area and off-loaded
When pulled across the target area the rake collects the weed, along with the entire root/rhizome system and any associated detritus. It also disturbs sediments which increase turbidity in the water, thus reducing light penetration, restricting photosynthesis needed for regrowth.
Because the root system is targeted we achieve far greater periods of control with out the risks associated with herbicide use, such as oxygen crashes caused by the sudden breakdown of massive amounts of rotting weed on the lake bed or any environmental toxicity concerns which threaten valuable fish stocks and protected flora and fauna.
We can remove literally tonnes of weed and sludge in a day which quickly breaks down to provide some of the finest compost available.
ALGAE AND DUCKWEED CONTROL
Single cell algae, blanketweed and floating duckweed are often caused by an imbalance in the waters nutrient levels and their subsequent distribution. A lack of established machophyte (higher plant) species to make use of the nutrients or artificially high nutrient enrichment caused by fertiliser (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) pollution can lead to eutrophication and the emergence and domination of nuisance algae species.
If these problems are not managed accordingly then a decline in both the species biodiversity present and the overall water quality will prevail.
We tackle to problem by first removing the offending algae often manually, then we set about improving the ecology of the water body at a chemical, physical and biological level to prevent any further algal blooms.
In accordance with our ‘no herbicide’ policy we use a variety of up to date control methods including:
1.Stillwater Management’s-“Nutri-sponge” Environmentally friendly once applied this product out-competes algae for all available nutrient sources. Consequently starving the algae of any available nutrients.
2.Stillwater Management’s “Aqualibrium-Calcipure”: Restores your waters natural balance and can greatly reduce algae problems by improving water quality. Safe for pets and has many other beneficial properties including silt and sludge reduction.
3.Other proven methods such as Ultra sonic units, UV resistant dyes and Barley straw rafts all have there uses in the right situation. We supply and install the best solution for each situation.
We believe the best long term protection is to establish a healthy, diverse aquatic ecosystem.
Biological weed control
By stocking bottom feeding species of coarse fish, such as carp, tench and bream. These fish feed actively amongst the root system of soft submerged weeds often uprooting them. The increased turbidity caused by the feeding fish also reduces light penetration, limiting photosynthesis.
Stillwater management can arrange the supply and delivery of all species of coarse fish, along with the appropriate environment agency consents and health check requirements.
