Title: Ranunculus in Chalk Rivers Phase 2
Author: E Darby E Cranston
Author: Environment Agency
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: Environment Agency Project ID:EAPRJOUT_1181, Representation ID: 367, Object ID: 2401
Abstract:
The aim of this project was to draw together and review all relevant information on Ranunculus in Chalk rivers and recommend a strategy for future management. In Phase 1 of the project source material on Ranunculus in Chalk rivers was gathered together and given a preliminary review against a set of criteria affecting Ranunculus. This report relates to Phase 2 of the project which involved a more detailed review of the source material. Summaries of the source material and a matrix of ‘Factors’ and ‘Drivers’ affecting Ranunculus, ‘Type’ and ‘Basis of Information’ together with potential ‘Management Applications’ were compiled and entered onto a database. Additional information on Ranunculus status in Chalk rivers together with details of research and rehabilitation projects were requested from Environment Agency Areas to update the information from Phase 1. During Phase 2 of the project a total of 311 documents were reviewed of which 172 were accepted as relevant and used in the production of this report. From the information supplied there appears to be a general lack of knowledge of the status of Ranunculus prior to 1990, except on some of the larger rivers. The current status of Ranunculus is also unknown for many stretches of river and even for some whole river lengths. Of 156 listed Chalk rivers, 98 were not mentioned in the documents reviewed. The highest number of citations in the documents is to the Factors of Velocity/Depth/Levels, Discharge/Seasonal Annual Changes, Substrate/Siltation and Light/Shade/Temperature. Generally the documents show that the most reported influences on Ranunculus growth are Factor, rather than Driver, led. Amongst the Drivers the largest number of citations is to Natural Climate Cycles followed by Channel Management and to a lesser extent Enrichment from Point Sources. The effects of the various factors and drivers are detailed. It is recommended that in order for the Environment Agency to fulfil its responsibilities under the Chalk Streams Biodiversity Action Plan the status of Ranunculus on all listed Chalk rivers should be established as soon as possible.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Subject Keywords: Macrophytes; Rivers; Chalk streams; Aquatic plants; Macrophytes; Freshwater ecology; River rehabilitation
Taxonomic Keywords: Ranunculus
Extent: 122
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4621
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