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Making life better by water
The spring and summer months are when most wildflowers thrive along our canals and rivers. Here are five native species to look out for.
From bright floral displays adorning the towpath, to the presence of baby water birds taking their first swim, come spring and summer our waterways are teeming with the sights and sounds of life.
Next time you're out and about, why not see if you can spot some of the UK's iconic native wildflower species that burst into bloom along our canals.
Appearance: The petals of a common spotted orchid range from pale pink-white to shades of vibrant purple, and are often marked with spots or lines. The flowers grow in a cone shape from the top of a sturdy but slim stem, whilst long, slender leaves sprout at ground level and are heavily marked with dark purple spots.
Where to see: Widespread and highly versatile, common spotted orchids can be a familiar sight along waterway banks, hedgerows, woodland, grassland, quarries and marshes.
When to see: You will be able to see blooms appearing between June and August.
Appearance: Cowslip flowers are bright yellow and group in a cluster of around 10-30 at the top of a shirt, slim stem. Like orchids, their leaves grow in a rosette at the base.
Where to see: These sun-seekers thrive in south-facing areas along canal banks, and in woodlands and grasslands.
When to see: Flowers start to appear in April and May.
Learn more about the six key habitats found along our waterway network, and which species call them home
Appearance: Its magenta flowers, arranged in a tubular shape at the top a very long stem, make it easily recognisable.
Where to see: Foxgloves are fond of canal towpaths, hedgerows and woodlands. They are best suited to damp soil and partially shaded areas. If you come across a foxglove, take care; its sap can cause skin irritation.
When to see: A fairly late bloomer, you can expect to see the bright pink of its flowers from June to September.
Appearance: Flowering rush is a tall aquatic wildflower with clustered cup-shaped pink flowers, and long, grass-like stems.
Where to see: You’ll find flowering rush on many of our canals, preferring to grow in still and slow-moving waters up to a depth of three metres.
When to see: It's visible from spring to autumn, and flowers in the summer.
Appearance: Native bluebells are a striking shade of blue-violet. Multiple bells grow from a single stem, and tend to droop towards the ground. The bells are narrow with straight sides, and its petals curl back at the edges.
Where to see: Look for bluebells in woodlands, hedgerows or along shady canal banks.
When to see: Â Blooming for only a few weeks of the year, they are usually most visible from mid-April to early May - although more mild springs can cause earlier flowering.
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Last Edited: 29 May 2026
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