DOZENS of rare aquatic plants along the Leeds Liverpool Canal are being encouraged to flourish, thanks to a tree management project.

The Canal and River Trust, which cares for the nation’s 2,000 mile canal network, has worked in partnership with Natural England and Leeds City Council to clear overgrown vegetation in a number of locations at Bramley Fall Park and Armley Park.

These form part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, protecting the canal from Aire Valley Marina to just north of Calverley.

Excellent alkaline water quality, low levels of pollution and a canal bed of rich puddle clay have all combined to create the perfect environment for a wide range of aquatic plants and animals.

The canal contains a large number of fresh water sponges and plants such as hair-like pondweed, flowering rush and arrowhead, some of which are nationally scarce.

Tom King, ecologist with the Canal and River Trust, said: “Too much vegetation at the water’s edge isn't good for the integrity of the canal structure, so we've tried to remove small trees, shrubs and non-native species, and leave large oak trees. In Bramley Fall Park we have also thinned out an area of woodland to create a new light, airy clearing for people to enjoy.”