The Environment Agency and Natural England has granted the WFA consent for the general cutting of weed on the River Avon upstream of Salisbury. In the event of low river flows (and high water temperatures) the Environment Agency may request that weed cuts are postponed or reduced in extent in order to maintain water levels and quality. Cutting of weed outside of the authorised dates, without the Agency’s consent, constitutes an offence under Section 90 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

The WFA co-ordinates weed cutting and extraction dates for all members and riparian owners and arranges the environmentally friendly extraction and composting of weed reaching the installed barrier above Salisbury. Weed extraction costs are met by those who cut weed in the form of a levy, which is reviewed annually by the WFA committee.