Wildlife along the Grantham Canal

Boat and swans on the Grand Western Canal. Photographer John Morton

While the canal was closed to commercial traffic, it became a unique sanctuary for flora and fauna. Several sections have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The Harby to Redmile section is noted for its aquatic vegetation, and Kinoulton Marshes for the grazing marshland and neutral grassland of the surrounding area. The canal channel has been included in the designation as a valuable habitat in its own right.