Database

Maintain ditches

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Water bodies	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Waterbody management

Based on climate models, precipitation is increasing in Estonia, making it necessary to establish and maintain a high quality drainage system and ditching to adapt to climate change. Drainage of wet grasslands ensures grassland productivity, but also creates water-related habitats.

Description of the action

Manage ditches, maintaining a balance between open and tall vegetated areas on the banks. For example, leave trees on the north side of the pond but remove some on the south side to create sunny areas. When maintaining ditches, remove invasive aquatic plants, reeds and wolfbane.

Why?

Ditch networks provide vital drainage functions and help create favourable soil conditions. Ditches support a wide range of animals, plants and insects. The best ditches are shallow-sloped and stepped-edged with natural vegetation. Ditch vegetation should be managed at 2-5 year intervals. Preference should be given to maintenance in the autumn and winter months. Some aquatic plants can quickly compete with other plants. Limiting the growth and species of plants is necessary to promote a diverse pond community.

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