Practical management of the canal is very important to maintain the balance between nature conservation and the provision of access for the public to enjoy the Country Park. Work is done to keep the towpath clear of obstructions and litter is removed in the prominent car parks.  

Boundary Management
The boundary line of the Country Park is actively managed. Hedges are laid in the traditional styles, Midland and Devon bank styles are both used along the canal wherever possible, and are cut when necessary. Conservation holiday volunteers are responsible for laying a part of the hedge line along the canal.

The majority of the canal boundary on either side is fenced or bordered by a hedge. Fences are replaced when needed and kept to a high standard. Our boundary on the offside of the canal stretches inland for approximately 12ft from the water line. This boundary is often fenced to reduce erosion from cattle drinking from the canal.  Drinking points have been installed at relevant points along the canal.

During the winter the Rangers spend time managing the trees that grow along the edge of the canal.  In order to keep the channel open for boat users it is sometimes necessary to cut back some of the overhanging branches.  This is done with chainsaws,working from the maintenance barge.  The branches are collected in the barge and taken elsewhere to create habitat and wildlife piles.  If the material is unsuitable for this it is burnt.

Vegetation Management
There is not enough boat use along the canal to keep the central channel clear so the Rangers must cut the vegetation using appropriate machinery. The weed cutting boat travels the whole 11 and a quarter miles in mid-July to do a complete cut of aquatic vegetation. This process can be repeated at any time along the canal if necessary.  

The picnic area in Tiverton basin is cut very regularly between April and October, to keep the area fully accessible for visitors and the car park is cleared of dead leaves in autumn. The central two metre strip of grass on the towpath is also cut, as many times as required between April and October, to keep the path accessible.  

The wild flower and rough grassland areas either side of the short grass is cut once a year after all the plants have set seed, usually in October or November. This allows insects to gain maximum benefits from the nectar, waterfowl to nest in amongst the reeds, and other animals to feed and shelter. Allowing the seed to drop ensures another magnificent wildflower display the following year.  

There is an area of bankside vegetation that is cut once a year in June, this area is from Tiverton Basin to East Manley Bridge. This cut stops the Horseboat rope from snagging in the vegetation and slowing down the horse, during their summer trips.