Canals have become a lifeline for nature. Without constant care, these vital habitats would collapse.
Climate change, loss of habitats and invasive species are putting devastating pressure on the wildlife we all love. Nearly one in six native species are now endangered and that number is still rising.
Through it all, canals have become a lifeline. A unique multi-habitat ecosystem, they’re a thread of wildness weaving quietly through our towns and cities.
A place where swans lead their cygnets into the water, dragonflies skim the surface, and wildflowers buzz with life. It might look effortless. But it isn’t.
What does Canal & River Trust do to protect nature?
Canals are man made. Without constant care, these vital spaces would collapse. Our expert teams are out protecting nature’s lifeline every single day, restoring habitats, clearing pollution, and making sure they stay safe for the wildlife that call them home. It’s skilled, physical, year-round work - and without it, these habitats and the canals themselves would disappear.
Many species rely on waterway banks for food and shelter. But, in the UK, 90% of wetland habitats have been lost in the last 100 years.
Across our network, we’re installing thousands of square metres of floating reedbeds. These ecosystems will provide havens for fish, insects and mammals, and act as safe spaces for nesting birds to care for their chicks.
Fighting back against invasive species
Floating pennywort is a fast-growing weed that blocks light, drains oxygen, and smothers native plants, insects and fish.
It's high priority to eradicate this and other invasive plants from our canals - but the battle is relentless. Pennywort can regrow from pieces smaller than a 10p coin, and our teams spend thousands of hours clearing every tiny fragment from the water by hand.
On top of this, we've been working hard behind the scenes to discover new and effective ways of eradication. On the River Soar, we released South American weevils to eat their way through large swathes of floating pennywort, whilst on the Penarth Feeder we trialled an all-natural approach to reduce the presence of Himalayan Balsam.
Planting hedgerows and orchards
Hedgerows and orchards act as nature's super-highway by helping animals travel safely from place to place. We’re restoring ancient hedgerow habitats and planting thousands of trees, so wildlife can travel freely and pollinators can keep our canals buzzing.
Between Wolverhampton and Worcester, our volunteers are busy creating the world’s longest community orchard, planting a host of native and exotic fruit trees across 50 miles of canal network.
Help protect nature's lifeline
If we lose our canals, we lose more than a peaceful place to walk or watch boats drift by. We lose one of nature’s last refuges.
We're giving it all we've got, but we can't do it without your help. Please donate today to help protect canal habitats so they remain a lifeline for nature.
