When people talk about Reed Beds this is what they are usually referring to. Phragmites australis grows on the edges of lakes, rivers, canals, and in boggy areas nowhere near any open water. When in a good position it can be 3.5 metres tall. Reeds still have their uses in Thatching and more recently as reed beds for water purification.

Apart from near the tops of the highest mountains, P. australis is found throughout the British Isles

Banks of River Weaver near Hartford, Cheshire 10th September 2009

Added on December 3rd 2004, updated April 4th 2011