Bugs And Beasties On Britain's Waterways

26 November 2008

Results of British Waterways’ annual survey reveals diversity of waterway wildlife

STUNNING WINNING WILDLIFE IMAGE FROM NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION AVAILABLE

Britain’s waterways are teeming with water-loving wildlife and are providing valuable homes for rare and unusual species such as water voles, otters and terrapins, according to the results of British Waterways’ fifth annual wildlife survey released today, Wednesday 26 November.

Despite a year of unusually wet weather, more than 3,000 sightings of wildlife were recorded by visitors to Britain’s canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs.

This year’s survey, supported by the British Dragonfly Society, focused on dragonflies and damselflies and more than 350 were spotted across the country, particularly in the North West. British Waterways’ ecologists say that the presence of these much loved and colourful insects is a key indicator of good water quality and a healthy local ecosystem, as they need to lay their eggs in or near water.

The 2008 survey also shows:
• that frogs have leaped up six places since last year to become the sixth most sighted animal, with more than half spotted in Scotland
• there has been a dip in the number of sightings of kingfishers, from fourth to eleventh, which could be related to flooding damaging nesting sites and feeding grounds
• mallards, swans and moorhens are the most commonly sighted species
• terrapins, not a native animal but released pets, have been seen widespread but in low numbers – these animals can harm our own natural wildlife
• although rare, water voles – best known as Ratty in Wind in the Willows – were spotted in even numbers across the country
• the water voles’ arch nemesis, mink, was spotted most frequently in the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland, but evaded detection entirely in London

Dr Mark Robinson, British Waterways’ national ecology manager, says: "Our waterways play a vital role in towns and cities by providing wildlife corridors that help sustain populations of a variety of species including bats and otters. Although water voles are increasingly threatened in the UK, it is extremely encouraging to see that they have been sighted in locations throughout the country.

"This year, people who took part in the survey have helped demonstrate that there are valuable habitats supported by canals and rivers. Waterways are free and accessible for everyone to enjoy and monitoring species helps us to support wildlife in the best way we can."

To find out the best places to spot dragonflies, damselflies and other wildlife in your local area visit www.waterscape.com.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

2008 Wildlife Survey Results

Wildlife Survey. This year’s survey was run alongside a photography competition. A cash prize of £100 has been awarded to the adult who submitted the best photograph capturing a dragonfly or damselfly. The winner of the children’s category (under age 14) received a £50 voucher. To view the winning photos as well as the runners up visit www.waterscape.com

British Waterways (BW) is responsible for a 2,200 mile canal and river network in England, Wales and Scotland. There are nearly 300 million visits made to BW’s waterways every year for a wide range of leisure and everyday activities including walking, cycling, angling, boating, wildlife spotting or just simply feeding the ducks. The work of British Waterways and further corporate information can be found at www.britishwaterways.co.uk

Waterscape.com provides information on all of Britain’s waterways, and guides visitors through the complete waterside experience in an easy to use, fully comprehensive online resource. The site includes a full range of services including:
- How to hire a canal boat or waterside holiday cottage.
- Recommendations on walking, cycling, jogging and angling beside the water.
- Best waterside bars, pubs and restaurants.
- Waterway guides with information on attractions, local history and wildlife.
- News and events listings.