Forth & Clyde Canal Union Canal Navigation Boating Planned work

Lowland Canals: Aquatic Weed Removal

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Managing Aquatic Weed

Scottish Canals operate a fleet of aquatic weed harvesters and amphibious weed cutters.

The purpose of this fleet, in conjunction with other channel based operations, is to work towards delivering a navigation channel available and free from obstructions for canal users. 

The aquatic weed harvesters operate from mid-February, until mid-November with a plan to cut the canals end to end on a monthly cycle.

This table indicates the weed burden in the canals:

  • Green - The channel has been cut and proven to be clear.
  • Amber - The channel is approaching the need for another cut, therefore some weed may be evident.
  • Red - The weed burden is high and navigation may be severely impacted.

Condition of the Canal Channel - Aquatic Weed June 2025

Union CanalGreen
Forth & Clyde Canal (West)Green
Forth & Clyde Canal (Summit)Green
Forth & Clyde Canals (East)Green

Scottish Canals Navigation Score - June 2025.

We publish a navigation score as a guide to the likely weed burden in the channel and to indicate ease of passage.

A high score =  Lowland Canal Network has been cut within the last month

A low score = Part of the canal will be carrying a weed burden which may impact on navigation. 

Lowland Canal Navigation Score = 98%

Some weed may encountered At:

  • Currently no problem areas, isolated minor blooms may be encountered.

NB: Always contact Boat Movements for advice on navigation condition if you have any concerns.

Where are the Aquatic Weed Harvesters?

Scottish Canals have four Berky Aquatic Weed Harvesters:

  • Berky 6550 is operating on the Forth & Clyde Canal summit pound during June and cutting from Lock20 to Lock 16 returning into the summit pound.
  • Berky Triton 1500 in operating on the Union Canal between  Edinburgh Quay to The Falkirk Wheel.
  • Berky 6520 is operating on the Glasgow Branch Canal. 

 

Tackling Aquatic Weed Hotspots

Whilst the Berky Aquatic Weed Harvesters work to a scheduled weed harvesting programme, Scottish Canals also operates mobile, amphibious weed cutter know as Truxors.

These amphibs can be tasked with tackling localised weed blooms, break away reed beds from the reed fringe or other waterborne obstruction.  

To report any localised weed issues please e-mail - reportanavissue@scottishcanals.co.uk