ERCCIS, the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust and is launching Pond Check. This is a free service aiming to raise awareness of the threat of non-native plants that are invading our ponds and waters. The scheme aims to help the public identify the worst pond invaders, which pose a great threat to the environment and biodiversity. These plants displace native wildlife, changing the structure of habitats and can have a substantial ecological and economic impact if they enter the wider environment.
“Some non-native plant species associated with freshwaters are often more vigorous than native species,” says Lisa Rennocks, Investigate Invasives Project Officer for ERCCIS. “They can form dense mats that choke up natural water bodies, disrupt water flow and impede drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding.”
Garden ponds are a potential source for non-native invasive plants. The smallest fragment could cause an invasion if allowed to escape into the countryside. To tackle this problem Pond Check is urging the public to let them know which invasive non-native pond plants are present in garden and local community ponds, and will offer advice on how to manage and safely dispose of them. Pond Check is targeting six of the most invasive aquatic plants which, unfortunately, are still on sale in some garden centres, aquarists and DIY stores. The common name for these species are; creeping water primrose, floating pennywort, parrot’s feather, New Zealand pygmy weed, large flowered water weed, and curly waterweed.
Lisa continues, “We are urging everyone who thinks they may have these species to get involved. You may be concerned about your own pond or one in your local community, so Pond Check wants to hear from you”
Not only is this a timely project to protect biodiversity, but it also celebrates the launch of a new service. The public can now text in, via their mobile phone, a photograph of their nuisance pond invaders straight from the field or garden. The species will be identified from the photograph and the sender will be contacted with advice on management and disposal.
If you are unsure which plant you have, let ERCCIS identify it by texting POND to 60300 with your name postcode and a clear image, or by email. You can also download recording forms if you wish to survey a local pond, or simply fill in an online survey form.
Your support is greatly appreciated, and if you would like to display a poster or have leaflets on the Pond Check project, please contact Lisa on 01872 240 777 ex 242.
