Be plant wise and don’t dump aquatic plants in the wild
Ponds can turn a garden from good to great. They create a wonderful feature to be enjoyed all year round and are often a haven for wildlife. However, if they are not cared for properly, some common pond plants can take over your pond. They can also become established in the wild, where they can smother our native plants, clog our waterways, worsen flooding and remove oxygen from the water, which can harm fish.
Pond owners, gardeners and anglers can unknowingly assist the spread of aquatic plants into our countryside.
By doing something very simple, such as composting excess pond plants carefully, we can all help the environment and reduce costs.
Be plant wise - watch the video
Find out how to identify various invasive pond plants by watching this video, presented by Charlie Dimmock. Use her tips to look after your own pond and be plant wise.
Follow these three simple steps to Be Plant Wise…
Be plant wise to the threat of invasive plants, which can take over your pond and damage the environment.
For information on the key invasive plants to avoid, and alternatives to them, follow the link below:
Don’t dump aquatic plants in the wild - you could be breaking the law. Always dispose of old plants and pond material responsibly, by composting or using a green waste bin.
For more information, follow the link below:
Be careful if you move pond plants around – even tiny fragments can cause massive problems. Take care when maintaining your pond or disposing of waste water.
For more information on the issue and what you can do to stop the spread, follow the link below:
By helping prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants you are also helping to improve biodiversity. Be Plant Wise is pleased to support the International Year of Biodiversity.
More from Directgov
Get more information on invasive plants and wildlife, pest and weeds, and composting from Directgov.
Composting
Controlling non-native wildlife
Controlling pests and weeds
Flowers and plants - greener choices
Dealing with invasive plants
