SPRITE method for re-establishing Ranunculus in post-industrial rivers

Following on from the most recent blog entry (and very brief description of a method used by volunteers); please see the short 3‑minute video below for a demonstration of how SPRITE members have successfully developed and implemented an efficient and robust technique for planting water crowfoot in freestone rivers (which would also work very well in more lowland settings too).

The method has a degree of resistance to grazing pressure during early phases of establishment and has also proven to be quite robust to the higher shear velocities experienced during spates on upland rivers.

Note the group’s vital adherence to considerations for full permissions — including the requirement to source the plants from within the same river system and also from sites that are free from known biosecurity risk. Consultation with local Environment Agency (or equivalent local watercourse authority) is a way for volunteer groups to find out what permissions will be required in specific locations.

SPRITE methods for Ranunculus planting from Paul Gaskell on Vimeo.