Alien plant species invade London's rivers and ponds

12 April 2012

Alien invaders are swamping London's rivers and ponds.

Plants such as pennywort are thriving and killing off native species as they spread, according to Defra.

Natural environment minister Huw Irranca-Davies today launched a campaign to highlight the problem with TV pond expert Charlie Dimmock on the banks of the Wandle in south-west London.

The campaign calls for gardeners to eradicate alien plants such as New Zealand pigmyweed from their ponds.

Floating pennywort can grow at a rate of 20cm a day in the wild and water primrose can double in size every 15-20 days.

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