Market Street, Highbridge - Notice To Farmers And Riparian Owners 2025-2026

AXE BRUE, PARRETT AND NORTH SOMERSET LEVELS
DRAINAGE BOARDS
NOTICE TO FARMERS AND RIPARIAN OWNERS 2025-2026
RHYNE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME
(Issued under Sections 14, 15 and 64 of the Land Drainage Act 1991)

Notice is hereby given that the Axe Brue, Parrett and North Somerset Levels Drainage Boards (“the Boards”) intend to carry out scheduled maintenance operations on the viewed rhynes within their respective districts during the 2025-2026 maintenance season.

Routine weed cutting and associated works will be undertaken in accordance with the Boards’ approved programme of works. The schedule of works is available for inspection on the Boards’ website at www.somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/operations/ maintenance , or upon request from the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium (SDBC) office at the address and telephone number listed below.

Flailing of banks may be carried out up to two weeks prior to weed cutting. Riparian owners are reminded that works may be undertaken from either or both banks of the watercourse, and that cut vegetation (arisings) may be deposited on either or both banks.

In accordance with Board policy and operational necessity, the nine-metre wide maintenance access strip, measured from the top of each bank, must be kept clear of all obstructions, including crops, fences, or other impediments, to allow for unimpeded access by maintenance machinery.

Landowners are further advised that, while reasonable care will be taken to minimise damage to growing crops, the Boards cannot delay or alter the programme to accommodate individual harvesting operations. Routes and schedules have been established for the efficient execution of the works.

Livestock owners are advised to inspect all working areas before, during, and after maintenance works to ensure that any toxic plant species disturbed during operations are appropriately managed and do not pose a risk to livestock.

To assist with planning and minimise disruption, the Boards request that all access points are made readily available. Landowners and occupiers are asked to notify the Boards of any locked gates or restricted access points along known routes without delay.

Please note that the published programme is for guidance only and is subject to alteration at short notice due to adverse weather conditions, variations in weed growth, and the availability of machinery.

Any enquiries or correspondence relating to this notice should be directed to:

Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium (SDBC) Bradbury House, 33-34 Market Street, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3BW

Telephone: 01278 789906

Dated: August 2025