The cold has not deterred volunteers from getting knee deep in a pond to tackle a common enemy – floating pennywort.

They jumped into the icy waters in Claybury Park, off Roding Lane North, last week to fish out the plant, which grows in mats on the pond’s surface.

Along with Vision Redbridge’s nature conservation rangers, they were taking part in an annual clear-up to ensure the weed does not starve other plant life of oxygen. Pennywort can prevent the pond from getting light and nutrients.

To learn more about nature conservation events in Redbridge and how to get involved, visit www.redbridge.gov.uk.

Vision Redbridge is Redbridge Council’s leisure and cultural arm.