River Management

The 'Manx Watercourse Management Guide' is a free information leaflet, which summarises the rights and responsibilities of riparian landowners, and provides a code of good practice and contact details for further advice and information. The complementary 'Summary Guide to Stream Management' includes a map of the Island's designated Main Rivers and is particularly useful for landowners and contractors who regularly conduct works in or adjacent to watercourses.

Both publications can be found in the downloadable documents section on this page. Alternatively, copies can be obtained from:

 Particular attention should be paid to the following points:

• Consent must be sought from the Flood Risk Management Team of the Manx Utilities Authority for any works that may affect any watercourse (excepting routine vegetation management), for example, riverbank engineering/protection; installation of bridges, pipes, cross-channel fencing.

• Consent must be sought from the MUA before constructing anything or planting trees/shrubs within 30' either side of a watercourse designated a 'Main River' under the Flood Risk Management Act 2013.
• For streams with a mostly stony substrate, works likely to disturb the channel or destabilise banks should be avoided from October to June (inclusive) in order to minimise impact on trout and salmon.
• Disturbance of bankside vegetation, including reeds or bushes, should be avoided during the bird nesting season (March to August inclusive).
• If the invasive plants Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed or Himalayan balsam are found on or near river banks advice should be sought from:

Follow the related link to the control of plants advisory service page to view factsheets on Japanese knotweed and Injurious Plants (including giant hogweed). You can also view the UK Environment Agency booklet on invasive non-native plants, which includes Himalayan balsam.