Floating Pennywort Manager

Floating Pennywort is a Non-Native Invasive Plant, infestations of which can be traced back in the UK to circa 1990, but in recent years has spread at an increasingly rapid rate. It can be spread in several ways including natural river flows or by powered boats bringing it upstream.

Several rowing clubs and events have been adversely affected by Pennywort and other Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS), and in addition to essential revenue from rowing events, training and Learn to Row Sessions have been interrupted, impacting adversely on the recruitment and retention of participants.  Safety is also a major consideration as it is impossible to row through Pennywort and becoming entangled can be dangerous for scullers and crews.

We are looking for a Floating Pennywort Manager to be in post just under a year, funded by Sport England through their ‘Movement Fund’, to help educate and physically help all clubs on this invasive species in how to spot it, manage it and keep it at bay for the long term.

• Education for British Rowing clubs on Pennywort .

  • What it is and how to deal with it.

  • Methods of removal and disposal. 

  • Types of equipment. 

  • Examples of good practice.

• Contact with initial clubs and scoping of the programme.

• Recommendations for eventual removal of infestations – rather than ongoing management.

• Encouraging fortnightly patrols for identification and removal of smaller patches of Pennywort.

• Identifying at least 3 volunteers to lead the scheme after the 11 months role has expired.

• Completing a final report.

To see the full list of responsibilities, please see the linked Job Description.