You are here:

News

Waterways reveal really 'wild' wildlife

15th Nov 2005

A UK-wide survey, conducted by British Waterways with the help of hundreds of visitors to the canal and river network, has uncovered surprisingly rare wildlife on the nation’s waterways. Whilst mallards, swans, moorhens and herons are identified as the top five most common species to our waterways a number of extraordinary birds and animals were spotted, including: seals; dolphins; porpoise; osprey and even a small crocodile!

Over 3,700 sightings were recorded of 60 different species, including some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, such as endangered water voles, otters and the infrequently seen kingfisher. However a significant number of people also saw the non-native mink - providing an indication of their prevalence on our waterways.

The information gathered from hundreds of participants will be used by British Waterways, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, to help manage and protect the rich array of wildlife in and around the canals and rivers. It will be incorporated into the national species database, which records biodiversity on the inland waterways.

The top five species to see on Britain’s waterways are mallards, swans, moorhen, heron and coot. One in eight people reported the presence of mallards and swans, while one in 20 people observed kingfishers and water voles. Sightings of non-native species included terrapins, mink and Chinese mitten crabs. Of considerable concern are a large number of mink observations – one in twenty people reported mink on the waterways.

Commenting on the results Jonathan Brickland, British Waterways’ national ecologist, commented: "Some amazing wildlife has been spotted on our waterways and we want to encourage more people to visit our canals and rivers and enjoy the rich variety of animals and plants. Whilst we are surprised to find a crocodile and osprey listed we are not ruling these out until further investigations take place."

Records were submitted from all parts of the 2,000 mile waterway network, from the tranquil waters of the Kennet and Avon Canal, in Wiltshire, to the Grand Union running through the heart of London and Birmingham.

Jonathan Brickland added: "Canals and rivers are a haven for wildlife and provide vital green corridors that connect the countryside with the hearts of our towns and cities.

"Recording common, rare and non-native species will help us to enhance the environment and maintain waterways that are rich in wildlife for all."

Top Ten wildlife sightings in 2005

  • Mallard
    • Swan
    • Moorhen
    • Heron
    • Coot
    • Dragonfly
    • Kingfisher
    • Water vole
    • Bat
    • Grass snake

For further information about the survey and visiting all of Britain’s inland waterways visit the waterscape.com wildlife guide.

Last updated: 22/10/2008