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The charity making life better by water

A heron stands tall in long grass on the canal bank.

Nature & biodiversity

Our canals provide vital habitats and corridors for nature to thrive, connecting green and blue spaces, from cities and towns to the open countryside.

Culture and Environment

Today, we protect...

Our vital habitats and corridors are vital for nature to thrive.

68

Sites

of Special Scientific Interest

3219

kilometres

of interconnected canals

304

conservation

areas

Since the 1970s, 41% of UK species studied have declined. We’re in the midst of a biodiversity crisis.

Iconic species along our canals, like kingfishers and water voles, face urgent threats from habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Invasive and non-native species are making it hard for native species to survive. Pollution, from plastics to sewage, is contaminating the water and harming the wildlife that makes its home in, on and along our canals.

Our unique interconnected network of hedgerows, waterways and canal banks provides nature a home like no other and is critical for the survival and recovery of our nation’s threatened wildlife.

As the nation’s longest corridor of freshwater habitat, our canals provide essential habitats and ways for wildlife to move around.

Our impact on nature & biodiversity

Kingfisher in flight with small fish in its beak

Support our work

We need your support to keep canals and rivers alive. Donate today to make a difference

Explore more about our work and impact

Last Edited: 19 December 2024

photo of a location on the canals
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