The Canal is a declared Site of Special Scientific Interest for almost half of its length. Of particular interest is the floating water plantain (35 different types) for which the Montgomery Canal is one of the most important sites in the world.

The aquatic vegetation is the habitat of many damselflies and dragonflies, including the White-Legged Damselfly. Nine species of damselfly and eleven species of dragonfly can be seen along the canal during the summer months. Aquatic insects, in turn, support shoals of fish such as Bream and Roach, as well as Pike, Carp and Tench.

The banks of the canal and nearby hedgerows are home to birds like the Wren and Chaffinch, while flourishing plant life includes the meadowsweet and marsh woundwort.

This 1.3ha (3.2 acre) site was bought to provide an oasis of countryside on the edge of Welshpool near the old withy beds.

Birdlife on the pond can be watched from the hide at the south end and a hedge has been planted between the path and the pond so that the hide can be approached without disturbing the water birds. Moorhen, Mallard, Coot and Mute Swan are the birds most likely to be seen. They have been joined by Ruddy Ducks, descended from birds that were released from wildfowl collections.

Severn Farm Pond is found at grid reference SJ 228068, between the factories of the Severn Farm Industrial Estate and the Railway. Park in the signed car park at the reserve entrance.