Reed beds used to beat pollution

Reed beds are a green solution to the problem of pollution

Plants are to be used to prevent pollution from a busy road in Cumbria seeping into a lake.

Reed beds are being installed next to a section of the A66 dual carriageway, running alongside Bassenthwaite Lake.

Their filtration capabilities allow solids to settle and microbes in the roots deal with contamination in the way conventional treatment systems do.

The reed beds have been welcomed by Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme bosses.

Assistant lake manager Michelle Donoghue said the water would "greatly benefit from nature's own solution to a potentially damaging situation".

"In these times of advanced technology, it's wonderful that something as simple as reed beds could make such a profound difference," she said.

"Our aim to improve water quality will certainly be boosted by this great, green solution."