Top ten places to see wildlife
From the dabble of ducklings or the splash of an otter to the electric-blue flash of the kingfisher, Britain’s waterways teem with wildlife just waiting to be discovered.
Explore the very best places to spot wildlife on our waterways with this guide to British Waterways’ top ten wildlife sites. From the lowlands of Scotland to an urban wildlife oasis in London, the guide offers a snapshot of British Waterways’ 2,200 miles of canals and rivers.
In this section ...
Caen Hill Lock Flight
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This flight of 16 successive locks is one of the most impressive on the UK’s waterways and forms part of the Devizes flight of 29 locks. Combining a diverse mosaic of habitats, it offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the passage of boats surrounded by the tranquillity of nature. More »
Tring Reservoirs
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A patchwork of four man-made lakes – Tring Reservoirs is a fantastic place to spot wildlife, search for canal heritage, watch narrowboats or simply enjoy a stroll in lovely countryside. More »
Welsh Harp
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Lying just a few minutes from the busy North Circular Road in [/in-your-area/london London], Brent Reservoir, or the Welsh Harp as it is locally known, provides an oasis of calm in the midst of the metropolis. More »
Stoke Lock and Woods
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Stoke Lock and Woods is a beautiful place to wander around and provides something different to see whatever the time of year. More »
Galton Valley
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If you’re into flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, and want a great day out, Galton Valley is well worth a visit. More »
Fradley Pool Nature Reserve
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Fradley Pool Nature Reserve lies on the junction of the Trent & Mersey and the Coventry canals. With an area of open water and two canals, Fradley Pool offers a superb day out in the countryside. More »
Forth and Clyde Canal
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Straddling Scotland from Grangemouth in the east to Bowling in the west, the Forth & Clyde Canal provides a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s lowland towns and cities. More »
Glasson Branch, Lancaster Canal
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Alongside an impressive variety of birdlife in the winter the Glasson Branch of the Lancaster Canal affords lovely views across Morecambe Bay to the high fells of the Lake District. More »
Pocklington Canal
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A real gem, the Pocklington Canal is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the most important waterways for wildlife in Britain due to its wide range of plants, animals and birds. It is a wonderful canal that has a wealth of historic buildings and artefacts. More »
Fenns, Wixall and Bettisfield Mosses
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A bewitching combination of meres and mosses. Watch out for basking adders and listen for the plop of a water vole. More »
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