We've all seen a heron or two along the canal, but have you ever seen a polecat or an otter? You might be surprised at what you find. Here's a list of creatures to spot along UK canals, so keep a look-out!
1. The badger
These cute creatures with their black and white features are pretty shy, and they only come out at night, so getting a glimpse of one will be tricky. Most commonly found in the south-west and Wales, although some sightings of badgers have been recorded in the north-east of England.
Badgers are nocturnal wildlife and can sometimes be seen near canal banks or in wooded areas. Learn how to spot a badger by looking for tracks or burrows in the area.
2. The grass snake
No need to be scared of these little reptiles. Grass snakes can be found in the damper habitats around most of England and Wales. They are very shy and usually avoid human contact. Spotting a grass snake near canals can be challenging, as they often stay hidden in the underbrush or near water.
3. The stoat
Another nocturnal creature you might spot along the canal is the stoat. Stoats can also be seen during daylight hours, especially near moorland, woods, and mountains, where they make dens in hollow trees or walls. Look for stoat footprints along canal banks during the winter months when these creatures are more active. And did you know that they can hypnotize rabbits?
4. The great-crested newt
Unfortunately, due to increased urbanisation and loss of habitat, the great-crested newt is becoming a rare sight along our canals. These elusive creatures hide under stones and logs along canals, making them difficult to spot. Their population is in decline, so it’s important to protect their habitats.
5. The otter
Otters are another shy creature you might encounter along quiet stretches of canals in England and Wales. The Eurasian otter is known for its love of water and can be spotted hunting for prey or swimming in the canal. Their presence along UK canals is a sign of a healthy ecosystem.
6. The kestrel
Do you know your kestrels from your red kites and sparrowhawks? Kestrels are expert hoverers and are often spotted perched on tree branches along the canal, scanning for prey. Their sharp eyesight might mean they spot you first, so be sure to observe them quietly.
7. The bat
Although there are 18 different types of bat, you are most likely to see a pipistrelle bat or a Daubenton's bat. Bats can be spotted around dusk, and most commonly in the summer months. These bats are commonly spotted at dusk, flying over canal water to hunt insects. Summer is the best time to see them in action.
Many tunnels, bridges, and buildings along canals serve as bat roosts. Discover how to spot bats.
8. The barn owl
Another one to spot at dusk, barn owls can be spotted along riverbanks and towpaths at dusk. These owls, with their heart-shaped faces, are a delightful sight and often hunt small mammals. Due to a decline in their population, it's becoming increasingly important to protect their habitats.
Follow our top tips to spot barn owls.
9. The water vole
It's not a rat! Water voles, unlike rats, are a much-loved species and one of the UK’s most endangered animals.
These little creatures are commonly found in closely grazed lawn areas and neat piles of chopped grass along canal banks. Water voles are fascinating burrowers that play an important role in local ecosystems.
10. The polecat
Notoriously difficult to track, polecats mostly reside in Wales and southern parts of England, preferring to make dens in woodlands and hedgerows near canals. They are related to the otter, but not a weasel or stoat! Polecats leave small footprints on wet and snowy surfaces, which can help you identify them.
Last Edited: 07 March 2025
