Work has started on the creation of a wetland habitat at Wern Pond in Powys that will extend the habitat for protected species of aquatic plants and other wildlife as part of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.
Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, is creating a new conservation area just off the A483 near Coppice Lane as part of the UK government-supported restoration of the canal.
The canal is recognised as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its rare plant-life. The area will include a 1.5-metre-deep pond, that will accommodate ‘Luronium Natans’, a protected species of aquatic plant found in the canal. The pond will have an inlet and outlet to link it to the canal. The creation of wetland habitats is part of the overall long-term restoration to enable boat traffic to resume and reach Welshpool which will provide economic growth through increasing the number of visitors to the area.
It’s one of two ponds that are being proposed along the canal to provide the environment required for the unique plant-life, as well as providing a habitat for other species and wildlife. It’s due for completion by the end of the year.
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 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.”
John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership which is driving forward the restoration under an agreed restoration plan, 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 start of construction at Wern Pond comes as work is also set to begin at Carreghofa Lane, near Llanymynech, on a new road bridge across the canal, and confirmation of an 11-month extension to the £14 million restoration project by the UK government, which now has until February 2026 to be completed.
The Montgomery Canal restoration has included decades of work by volunteers and partners. Glandŵr Cymru is working in partnership with Powys County Council with support from the Montgomery Canal Partnership, to deliver the restoration.
