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 May 2025

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

Scottish Canals Navigation Score - May 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 May, working towards the West and Bowling Flight
  • Berky Triton 1500 in operating on the Union Canal between The Falkirk Wheel & Broxburn.
  • Berky 6520 is operating on the West flight moving from Anniesland to Glasgow.
  • Scottish Canals has procured two new Berky Triton 550 weed harvesters.  These will replace the redundant Berky 6540 and add further resilience to the fleet.  

 

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