Few plants symbolise calm water the way water lilies do. Their large floating leaves and white or yellow flowers are part of our image of a healthy lake or marsh. But behind their beauty lies a very important role in the life of a water body.
In 2018 Ecopark Vaya began work to restore and maintain water lilies in the ponds suited to them – calm, shallow water without strong waves and with enough light.
The leaves of water lilies shade the water and protect it from overheating in summer, which also limits the mass growth of algae. Beneath the leaves hide small fish, dragonfly larvae and other aquatic insects, frogs and newts. Dragonflies land on the leaves, and the flowers attract pollinators. The root systems of the lilies stabilise the bottom and take part in the natural purification of the water.
The work included selecting suitable ponds, transferring and planting the plants, and maintaining a stable water level, since sudden changes in level are one of the main reasons water lilies disappear from a water body.
This activity was carried out with our own funds and labour. It is part of Ecopark Vaya’s overall approach of restoring the natural aquatic vegetation – the foundation on which the richness of insects, fish and birds is built.
Today, in the summer months, water lilies bloom in the ponds of the ecopark. They are one of the most photographed sights for visitors, but for us they are above all a sign that the water is calm, clean and alive.
Project summary
Project: Restoration and maintenance of water lilies
Year: 2018
Location: Ecopark Vaya
Activity: selection of suitable ponds, planting and care of water lilies, maintaining a stable water level
Funding: own funds and volunteer work
Status: completed
Photo: Brigitte Elsner / Unsplash