Weevils will munch pond pest
12 September 2007
Parks staff dealing with a pond pest called in the experts – hundreds of weevils each only 2mm long!
The pond in the Chorlton Ees Local Nature Reserve has had an unusual problem for a number of years - a non-native invasive water fern (Azolla filiculoides) that has taken over the surface of the pond creating a thick green carpet that is threatening its inhabitants as it is removing the oxygen.
Now the Green City team & the Mersey Valley Warden Service have tackled the problem once and for all by using the weevils.
The tiny creatures will munch away at the water fern and should get through it all within a matter of weeks. The great news is that the plant won't return, greatly benefiting the pond's biodiversity.
Councillor Neil Swannick, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "The weevils are probably the smallest 'employees' the Council has ever used to solve a problem. We expect the weevils to get rid of the water fern very quickly and efficiently, making the pond much better for other wildlife."
For more information about weevils being used to clear ponds visit
Media contact:
Martin Hellewell, Tel: 0161 234 3729
