Pond weed provides a stunning carpet of flowers in many of the New Forest ponds during late spring and summer. There are many different species of pond weed. All are green in colour but have a range of different leaf shapes and sizes. Most pondweeds grow underwater but some float on the surface of the pond.
Pondweed grows in freshwater ponds and lakes. It is rooted on the bottom and is often completely submerged in shallow water.
As it grows mainly underwater pond weed needs to get all of its carbon dioxide from the water. The pond weed itself provides a perfect habitat for many freshwater invertebrates.
Producer: Despite growing underwater, like all green plants pond weed gets its energy through the process of photosynthesis.
Unfortunately there are lots of pressures being placed on the freshwater habitats of the National Park. When drinking water is taken from the rivers this reduces their flow and has an impact on the plants and animals that can survive. Other threats come from pollution caused by agricultural run-off as well as the recreational pressures of fishing and boating.
Why not make a garden pond and grow pond plants in your garden!