For many creatures that rely on both water and land, there's no beating a canalside location. Learn more about the six key habitats found along our waterway network, and which species call them home.
Canal habitats
Our 2,000 miles of canals and rivers provide habitats for all kinds of plants and wildlife.
Buildings and structures
Many structures along our canals are over 200 years old and play an important, often overlooked, role in biodiversity
Grassland
Grassland and towpath verges can extend for miles and support a rich variety of flora and fauna
Hedgerows
Hedgerows create a 'superhighway' for nature, allowing a variety of species to move through the landscape freely
Open water
Many of our open water sites are protected areas because of their importance for water birds
Scrubland
Scrubland can sometimes look messy and neglected, but this is actually a sign of a richly biodiverse habitat
Waterway banks
Waterway banks are ideal habitats for many species including insects, birds and water voles
Discover more
Canal and river wildlife
Learn more about the fascinating wildlife and plants found on or by our canals
Volunteer to protect nature
Canals need many hands to look after them. By volunteering with us, you can really make a difference
Donate to support our work
We urgently need your donations to keep our network protected and alive with nature
Last Edited: 31 March 2025
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