Watercourse management businesses maintain and improve rivers, streams, brooks, ditches and other channels that carry or store water. Their work may include inspecting channels and banks, removing accumulated silt, litter and obstructions, cutting excessive vegetation, managing aquatic weeds and clearing debris from culverts or screens. These activities can help water flow freely and reduce localised drainage problems, while taking account of the needs of wildlife and habitats. Services may also cover bank repair and stabilisation, erosion control, ditch and culvert maintenance, flood-risk management and the control of invasive plant species. Some providers carry out surveys, prepare maintenance plans or advise landowners, farmers, businesses and public bodies on the condition of a watercourse and the work required.