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Making life better by water

Wildlife blogs and features

Find out all about waterway wildlife by browsing through our blogs and features.

8 tips to spot an otter in the wild
These shy mammals are notoriously hard to spot but worth it when you do. You will most likely find them along our canals and rivers or on other wetlands. Follow our tips to see an otter in the wild.
Thu Oct 10 2024
How to identify snakes in the UK
There are three native snakes in the UK: grass snakes, adders, and smooth snakes. If you’re by our canals and rivers, you’re most likely to spot the shy grass snake – a pro swimmer and water lover.
Wed Oct 02 2024
Is it a grasshopper or a cricket?
Each summer, grasshoppers and crickets fill the countryside with their songs as they skip, hop and jump in the warm sun. Read our guide to learn the differences between grasshoppers and crickets.
Fri Sep 27 2024
How can you tell a newt from a lizard?
Despite being from different families and habitats, these cold-blooded animals are regularly confused. Our guide separates the newts from the lizards so you can tell these small creatures apart.
Tue Sep 24 2024
Take our water vole quiz
How much do you know about the well-loved water vole? Take our quiz to find out.
Mon Sep 23 2024
Top tips to spot newts
Whether you're an amateur naturalist or just someone who enjoys wildlife, spotting newts can be a rewarding experience. Here are our top tips to help you find these elusive creatures.
Wed Sep 18 2024
A guide to identifying newts
Do you know your newts? They’re challenging to spot and hard to tell apart. If you’re lucky enough to see one, our guide to newts in the UK will help you discover which species you’re dealing with.
Wed Sep 04 2024
Beavers are bouncing back in Britain
In June, a mystery animal caused a stir in Wolverhampton when it was spotted in one of the city's canals. Read more
Fri Aug 30 2024
What's the difference between dormice, voles, and other rodents?
Seen something small and furry dart by? Read our easy guide to the rodent species that call our canals and rivers home to identify dormice, voles, mice, and shrews.
Thu Aug 29 2024
What is the difference between cormorants and shags?
Cormorants and shags are two very similar and closely related birds – and you’d easily be forgiven for mistaking their identity. Here’s our guide to telling cormorants and shags apart.
Fri Aug 23 2024

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Last Edited: 10 October 2024

photo of a location on the canals

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