A MEMBER of the public was shocked to find a stream running through Hadleigh Country Park.

The water, photographed this morning, has turned beetroot red.

Essex County Council, which runs the park, has since confirmed the colouration is caused by Azolla.

Azolla, a small fern native to the Americas, is invasive in southern England, coastal Wales and is scattered predominantly across coastal areas in the north of the UK.

The plant was first recorded at Pinner in Middlesex in 1886, but did not become well established until 20 years later.

An Essex County Council spokesperson said: “Hadleigh Country Park and ECC’s Place Services are aware of the common but invasive plant, Azolla, that has recently turned a water course in the park red.

“Azolla is a non-toxic type of water fern which has been present in the area for a number of years. A control method is being implemented to tackle the issue and limit any spread.’’