6 days ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Project to create new wetland habitat in Powys underway
A project to create a new wetland habitat in Powys is well underway.
Spearheaded by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, the initiative aims to extend the habitat for protected aquatic species as part of the Montgomery Canal restoration.
The new conservation area, situated at Wern Pond near Coppice Lane, is an integral part of the UK Government-backed canal restoration.
The Montgomery Canal is recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rare plant life, including the protected species Luronium Natans.
The 1.5-metre deep pond at Wern Pond will provide a suitable environment for these plants.
Richard Harrison, principal project manager at Glandŵr Cymru, said: "This protected space for nature next to the canal will create a new area of wetland habitat that will help boost the aquatic life that can be found in this area, not least the protected water plants, which subject to consents, can be carefully moved from the canal.
"It is a really important milestone in the restoration of the historic canal; part of ensuring that the canal and the habitats it supports will be here for generations to come."
The pond is due for completion by the end of the year and will have an inlet and outlet to connect it to the canal.
The creation of wetland habitats is part of the overall long-term restoration plan to enable boat traffic to resume and reach Welshpool, providing economic growth through increasing visitor numbers to the area.
This is one of two proposed ponds along the canal, aimed at providing the necessary environment for the unique plant life and other wildlife species.
John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, said: "I welcome this further step towards achieving the restoration of the canal to Welshpool so it can be enjoyed by local people and tourist visitors bringing money into the area.
"We are extremely mindful of the special ecological importance of the canal and its rare water plants.
"The creation of new wetland habitats will enable such plants to be translocated to the new reserves."
The construction at Wern Pond comes as work at Carreghofa Lane, near Llanymynech, for a new road bridge across the canal. is set to start
The UK Government has confirmed an 11-month extension to the £14 million restoration project, which now has until February 2026 to be completed.
