Weeds invade waters in Stamford, Rutland and Bourne

An invasive green monster is creeping its way through the area’s watercourses, leaving ducks waist-deep in weed and forcing out native plants.

The non-native water fern has taken control of the River Welland at Stamford in recent weeks, pushing out indigenous plants.

Water fern was originally sold in the UK as an ornamental plant for garden ponds but has since made its way into the local environment.