RARE AQUATIC PLANTS are to be given space to thrive along the Montgomery Canal.
This is at a new wetland habitat at Wern in Powys near Llanymynech after it was opened in a ceremony by Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr MP Steve Witherden.
Conservation area
Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has created the new conservation area, just off the A483, as part of the UK government-supported restoration of the canal working in partnership with Powys County Council with support from the Montgomery Canal Partnership.
The canal is recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare plant-life. The new reserve includes a 1.5-metre-deep pond, connected to the canal, that will accommodate floating water-plantain, a protected species of aquatic plant that is found in the area, and also potamogeton, a pondweed that benefits wildlife.
One of two sites
This is one of two sites that are being proposed along the canal to provide the environment required for the rare plant-life, and valuable habitat for other species and wildlife such as wildflowers and birds.
Richard Harrison, principal project manager at Glandŵr Cymru, stated:
“This special space for nature next to the Montgomery Canal creates a new area of wetland habitat that will help boost the local aquatic life, not least the protected water plants. The completion of the pond is an important milestone, part of ensuring that the wildlife the canal supports will be here for generations to come.”