The TLS Towpath Management Plan. updated by the TLS annually, sets out the specific management requirements for the riverside and has provided a handbook to guide maintenance for riparian owners, appointed contractors and communities since 2001.  The plan provides the practical information needed – on a site by site basis, to manage the towpaths and informal open spaces.  The plan includes:

• litter collection – based on the tides
• tree works
• mowing regimes including annual hay cuts
• invasive species removal
• tree and hedge planting
• maintenance of street furniture
• surface repair

The plan ensures that  volunteering is directly linked to statutory provision in order to provide a best use of resources.  Where extra measures are needed to top up statutory mechanisms and volunteer output the plan identifies possible sources of additional funding that would be required to implement these works.  Where needed, the TLS has worked directly with appointed contractors.