Canal wildlife species

One of Britain's largest wild animals, these striking creatures are nocturnal and shy of human contact

These speedy, reddish-brown creatures are our smallest voles

The only flying mammal, these fascinating animals sleep upside down and use echolocation

Intelligent and highly adaptable, these resourceful characters are happy in almost any habitat

These small rodents spend as much as three-quarters of the year asleep – and are known to snore

An adaptable and highly cunning species, foxes are as common in cities as they are on our rural canals

These iconic prickly mammals are well-loved in the UK and spend much of their lives asleep

Lithe swimmers and excellent hunters, otters are surprisingly common, but hard to spot

These mustelids prefer to be alone and usually only come out at night

Fierce and opportunistic predators, stoats are surprisingly multi-talented creatures

This much-loved character is one of our most endangered species

The world’s smallest carnivore, the weasel is a voracious hunter

With their heart-shaped face and pure white feathers, barn owls are one of our most treasured birds

The common tern is a noisy bird and highly defensive of its nest

These prehistoric-looking birds are highly efficient fishermen

The grey heron is known for its motionless stance at the water's edge

Often seen suspended in mid-air, kestrels are expert hovering hunters

The 'King of Fishers' is usually glimpsed as a sudden flash of glistening blue

The little egret is a small, white bird that feeds on small fish and crustaceans

One of the most recognised geese in the UK, notorious for its loud honking noise

The common coot is a sociable bird that is abundant on our canals

There are 22 different species in the UK, from the recognisable mallard to the colourful mandarin

Striking plumage and elaborate courtship make the great crested grebe a remarkable sight

This shy diving bird is our smallest grebe and very good at hiding among the watery vegetation

These familiar black birds are distinguished by their red beaks and yellow legs

These elegant birds have been romanticised since storytelling began

These well-known amphibians are smooth and slippery masters of disguise

You might spot these sun-loving snakes basking on grassy banks on summer days

The smooth newt is the most common species, but the UK is home to two other species

With distinctive warty skin and an iconic call, toads are often found in tales of witchcraft

So-called for their ‘bumbling’ flight, bumblebees are a quintessential part of a summer’s day

The UK glories in 59 different species of this brightly coloured insect

A large group of moth-like insects that makes their homes in any wetland habitat

These colourful insects are acrobatic masters of the air

Dragonflies are the raptors of the insect world and an integral part of summer

These all-singing, all-dancing creatures are the gymnasts of the insect world

These hardworking little bees are known for the sweet honey they produce

The hornet is the largest social wasp in Britain

The mayfly dances along the surface of our canals and rivers in search of a mate

The water boatman is a small creature found on the surface of our canals

Our canals and rivers hold a great variety of fish, including native, protected and invasive species