Wildlife along the Chesterfield Canal

Chesterfield Canal. © Richard Croft - http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

The Chesterfield Canal has an abundance of rich wildlife, including an area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a county-designated Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). British Waterways and English Nature are jointly funding a survey at the SSSI to gain a greater understanding of the aquatic plant community, which includes several rare species such as linton's pondweed, short-leaved water starwort, and brackish water crowfoot.

When Misterton Low Lock was drained at the end of 2001, rare freshwater sponges were found on the lock walls and gates. Very little is known about this species in Britain, and British Waterways is carrying out research with the Natural History Museum in London.