Pond plant threatens waterways

Leigh Jackson writes: The spread of a new pond plant is putting the environment under threat, it has been claimed.

The American Floating Pennywort is spreading across the Broads, restricting the growth of its British counterparts and looks likely to block a number of waterways, the Environment Agency has claimed.

Chris Adams, ecological appraisal officer with the agency, revealed that the rise of the plant could have long-lasting consequences.

"This could put people and animals in danger if they don't realise there is deep water underneath," he told the BBC.

"There is also a flood risk involved when this weed is dense in a watercourse."

He added: "In major floods it could wash off into flood plains dispersing into and blocking smaller water bodies making it even more difficult to remove."

Meanwhile, a number of important medical plants, including Hoodia and Magnolia, could be under threat of extinction due to deforestation, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International has claimed.

© Adfero Ltd

Related Stories

Kids to transform pond in Runcorn

How to dig your own pond

How to grow water lilies in Britain

Lack of ponds threatening newt in Scotland

Gardeners urged not to move frogspawn