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We would recommend that both new and restored ponds are better left to colonise on their own (this it will a year or two) it is better to concentrate your efforts on creating complementary habitats around the pond.

However, if after a year the pond has not been particularly colonised limited planting could be considered Do not take plants from the wild. Before starting to choose plants to put in the pond, be sure to take a look at other ponds and wetland areas locally and make a list of what is growing.

Plants suitable for introducing to ponds

Always use plants (including trees) which are not only native to Britain, but also native to the pond's locality. Introduced plants that are already found in the vicinity are more likely to be adapted to the local conditions and climate and the chances of them surviving will thus be greater. Never use plants introduced from abroad. They should not be used for ponds in this country because they will not be a part of the British wildlife's food chain, so will have little value to add. Introduced species may also adapt so well to conditions here that they take over, dominating the native plants, causing problems in managing the pond, decreasing the wildlife value, as well as being very difficult to control, let alone eradicate.

Submerged rooted plants
Water crowfoot (Ranunculus spp)
Water milfoil (Myriophyllum spp)
Slarwort (Callitriche spp)
Shining pondweed (Potamogeton lucens)
Curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus)
Horned pondweed (Zannichellia palustris)
Floating-leaved rooted plants
Broadleaved pondweed (Potamogetan natans)
White water lily (Nymphaea alba)
Yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea)
Unbranched bur-reed (Sparganium emersum)

Emergent Plants
Water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)
Lesser spearwort (Ranunculus flammula)
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Amphibious bistort (Polygonum amphibium)
Water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica)
Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia)
Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Sweet flag (Acorus calamus)
Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum)
Reedmace (Typha latifolia)
Common reed (Phragmites australis)
Floating sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans)
Reed sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima)
Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Marginal plants
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)
Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
Marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)
Water celery (Berula erecta)
Redshank (Polygonum persicaria)
Great water dock (Rumex hydrolapathum)
Bogbean (Menyanthestrifoliata)
Water forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides)
Water mint (Mentha aquatica)
Jointed rush (Juncus articulatus)
Hard rush (Juncus inflexus)
Soft rush (Juncus effusus)
Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus)

Do not plant or introduce any aquatic species not native to Britain, including:

Water fern (Azolla filiculoides)
Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis)
Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii)
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Some of these plants (particularly the first three) are on sale in garden centres or may easily be introduced growing in the same tubs as plants bought from garden centres, or given by friends from other ponds. Beware of importing soil on to the site which may be contaminated with seeds or sections of root from the other species listed. All these species are extremely difficult to eradicate once present in or around a pond. and care should also be taken to ensure they are not spread to other ponds or watercourses.

Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed are such problem plants that it is illegal to release into the countryside. They are included on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

NB Care should also be taken with the poisonous Giant Hogweed: the sap from this plant can cause a very unpleasant rash on the skin. lips and eyes. particularly in association with sunshine. Seek medical advice
immediately.

Links

Ponds Conservation Trust - tips on pond design & management

RSBP - Pond information pages