Invasive plant taking over parts of local canal waterway

A major project to remove an invasive aquatic plant from the Montgomery Canal has received funding support, helping protect one of the world’s most important canal habitats stretching through north Powys.

Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, has secured funding to tackle the spread of water soldier on a section of the canal between Arddleen and Wern, near Welshpool.

The work comes as concerns grow over the impact of the plant on the internationally important waterway, which runs through communities including Llanymynech, Arddleen and Welshpool before continuing towards Newtown.

The Montgomery Canal is recognised as both a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare aquatic wildlife, including floating water plantain, for which it is considered one of the most important locations in the world.

Water soldier, an aquatic plant native to parts of Europe and Asia, has spread rapidly along the canal and is threatening rare plant life and habitats. It also restricts water movement and can make sections of the canal difficult to use for activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding.

A grant from the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature programme, administered by WCVA and Powys County Council, will fund work on a two-kilometre stretch of canal. Overall, £90,000 is being invested in removing water soldier as part of wider environmental improvements along the canal.

Jenny Spelling, ecologist at Glandŵr Cymru, said the funding would help prevent the canal from becoming overwhelmed by the invasive species.

“We are grateful to the Local Places for Nature Challenge Fund for enabling us to deliver this work on the Montgomery Canal,” she said.

“Without this action and financial support, the canal would be at risk of being overwhelmed by an invasive plant that has spread dramatically along this section.

“There have been concerns from local residents about the risk of someone falling into the water if they mistake the weed-covered surface for solid ground. We will therefore be using specialist contractors to remove large quantities of water soldier.”

She added that the canal’s wildlife and heritage made it an important asset for local communities and visitors.

The Montgomery Canal Partnership has also welcomed the project.

Chair John Dodwell said the invasive plant was affecting both wildlife and people’s enjoyment of the canal.

“This invasive plant is obstructing the passage of boats and wildlife – we hear reports of swans walking along the towpath as they cannot get through the weeds,” he said.

“It adversely affects what towpath walkers see. This work will therefore benefit all types of canal user.”

The funding comes as work continues on the long-term restoration of the Montgomery Canal. Glandŵr Cymru is currently restoring a four-and-a-half-mile section between Llanymynech and Arddleen which has been closed to navigation since the 1930s.

The restoration project is being delivered in partnership with Powys County Council and supported by the Montgomery Canal Partnership, with backing from the UK Government.

Once completed, the work is expected to improve biodiversity, enhance access for canal users and support the long-term future of one of north Powys’ most significant environmental and heritage assets.