Barley Straw Algae Control Update

Published 17:13 on 25 Mar 2021

As we previously communicated to our members we have been liaising with Severn Trent and their contractor Aquascience Ltd to minimise the impact on our water sports of their project to find a natural solution to periodic algae blooms in the reservoir. The project requires about 20% of the reservoir area to be effective and the club has been negotiating the positioning of the barley straw so as to maintain a good compromise. The agreed areas are shown in red dotted lines on the photo and the general appearance of what will be in place is shown in the lower photo. Our priorities were to protect the beat from buoy buoy 8 to 3 in a South Westerly as this is our 'signature' leg of the course, keep the bay by buoy 2 accessible for paddle sports and novice training when the wind is strong, maintain accessibility to the reservoir perimeter for SUP users. We have achieved these objectives in the main, and whilst we have lost some width between buoy 4 and 5, the area beyond the row of buoys 2,C,3 is rarely used by boats. The contractor notified us that the bales are spaced apart with joining lines between anchor points at either end of the run. The bales lie vertically and the tether ropes are submerged enough that a SUP Board can easily travel between. We are expecting that this enables us to continue to paddle around the full perimeter, but will need to do a risk assessment when everything is fixed in position.

The work is scheduled for completion in April. More info on the way barley straw is used to control algae can be found on the website: http://www.aquascienceltd.co.uk/algal-control/ Work will take place during the week to minimise disruption.

Whilst this project is not ideal for the club and water users we feel that the best compromise has been achieved and we are fully supportive of natural means to control invasive algae rather than resorting to a chemical solution.

Last updated 16:57 on 21 April 2025