Plants and Fungi

Floating Water-plantain (Luronium natans)

UK Lead Organisation:

British Waterways

County Lead Organisation:

N/A

Objectives

To maintain the present range.
To increase the overall number of sites at which the species is present and the number of plants at each site.

Policy

Lobby against and object to canal restoration schemes that could compromise populations of this species. (SWT and other conservation bodies)
Ensure appropriate sites containing populations of this species meeting the SSSI criteria are designated. (NE)

Protection

The Cannock Extension Canal has been notified as a SSSI in 1993 and is a proposed candidate SAC.
Floating water-plantain is listed on Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive and Appendix I of the Berne Convention. It is protected under Schedule 4 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994 and Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Floating water-plantain has been listed as a costed, key species in the UK Steering Group Report.

Management

Seek to implement appropriate management on all sites known to support populations of this species. (NE, BWB)
Where appropriate, seek water quality improvements in those water bodies supporting this species. (BWB, EA)
Where this species may have previously existed, but where it is no longer apparently present, experiment with dredging small areas of water bodies to give any remaining seed a chance to germinate. (Landowners, BWB)

Advisory

Ensure that all the relevant organisations and agencies are aware of all known populations. (NE)
Increase species awareness for the public and landowners through education, promotion and events. (SBAP Partnership)

Further Information