There has been a lot of publicity concerning the introduction of non-native plants into the UK natural environment. Some of these plants can be very invasive, smothering native species, clogging waterways and removing oxygen from streams and lakes making them inhabitable for fish and wildlife.It is important to be aware that pond plants should be cared for properly and not left to become established outside the garden pond’s environment. Pond plants should never be dumped in the wild, which is illegal with some species.The best advice is to compost unwanted plants properly. Aquatic plants and filter waste produce fantastic general garden compost and is very high in nutrients. The plants can be discarded in council or domestic green waste bins to be composted by the local authorities. Alternatively, there are many native plant species available. Most suppliers indicate native species on the information label supplied with plants.