How does British Waterways support wildlife?

Canals and rivers provide a valuable habitats and food supplies for thousands of different animals and plants.

As well as a 2,200 mile network of canals and rivers, British Waterways also cares for 92 reservoirs, 73 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and over 1,000 wildlife conservation sites in England, Scotland and Wales. So what does BW do to support all of the wildlife in these locations?

"The extraordinary and beautiful natural environment of our waterways is without doubt a key element in making them very special places to visit and enjoy."
Robin Evans, chief executive of British Waterways

There’s no doubt that protecting and conserving wildlife is important to BW. Every year our annual Wildlife Survey urges people to report the animals they spot on BW canals and rivers. But it by no means stops there. Read on for a taster of the different projects BW ecologists are involved with.

Although the canals were not built for wildlife, they have become excellent habitats for a wide range of diverse and rare species. With this in mind BW has developed innovative ways of protecting and creating biodiverse rich habitat that will benefit many different species.

Read more about creating vital habitats for threatened birds

In this section ...

Kingfishers on the network »
The kingfisher is one of our most striking, vibrant and exciting birds, and it also symbolises a healthy and dynamic natural environment. It is easily recognised and much loved by visitors to the waterways. More »
Tackling invasive plants in our canals »
While a lush green waterway is a beautiful sight, British Waterways faces a constant and costly battle to manage excessive plant growth, particularly of invasive species, while protecting the important habitats that support biodiversity. More »
Protecting canal bats and their roosts »
Many of our 200-year-old canal tunnels, bridges, buildings and aqueducts are home to bats. If bats flew during the day everyone would know how abundant they are along our canals. More »
Rare butterflies - welcoming Grizzled Skippers to our canals »
Spring is well and truly upon us now with blossoms, wild flowers and butterflies appearing all along our canal banks. It’s a great time to go outside and spot some wildlife, and the perfect opportunity for you to add your insect sightings to our ever-growing wildlife survey. More »
Canal bats get tunnel vision »
As well as being a fascinating and unique part of the canal’s industrial past the tunnels under Dudley are also home to one of the most important bat roosts on our entire network. More »
British Waterways and the protection of aquatic plants »
BW ecologists don't just work to protect animals and birdlife. BW is also one of the UK’s top organisations for preserving rare plant life, which relies on our waterways to survive. More »
Working with the Woodland Trust »
British Waterways has recently joined forces with a variety of conservation organisations to create 'partnerships for biodiversity', which help us to manage our canals and rivers more effectively, create a richer and more diverse visitor experience, and promote BW and the waterway environment we support. More »