Go Wild - Forth & Clyde Canal Named As One Of The Top Ten Places To Spot Wildlife On The Uk's Waterways

27 July 2006

The Forth & Clyde Canal has been named as one of the top ten places to spot wildlife and some of the country's rarest plants in a new guide published by British Waterways.

'Go Wild - British Waterways' Top Ten Places To Spot Wildlife' highlights the finest places to see a wide range of animals and plants which live and grow in and around Britain's Canals and rivers.

From an urban wildlife oasis in London , wetland birds on the tranquil waters of lowland Scotland to the towering aqueducts sheltering bats in Wales , the guide highlights ten areas across the British Isles that combine wonderful wildlife with the beauty and tranquillity of historic waterways.

The Forth & Clyde Canal is home to many popular birds, such as the mute swan and mallard, and otters frequent the canal alongside pipistrelle and Daubenton's bats. The canal is also home to the extremely rare Bennett's pondweed, which is only found in the UK on the Forth & Clyde, and the rare tufted loosestrife.

Olivia Lassiere, Environmental Scientist, British Waterways Scotland said: "From the electric blue flash of a kingfisher to the moonlit dance of a bat, our waterways are home to a rich variety of wildlife and the guide provides a snapshot of wonderful wildlife places from British Waterways' network of over 2,200 miles of canals and rivers."

Over half the population of the UK lives within just five miles of British Waterways' network of canals and rivers, ensuring that a day out to enjoy wildlife, take in the view, dine at a waterside pub or discover more about their history is never far away.

Britain 's beautiful waterways are important for wild plants and animals and it is essential to preserve our remaining natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. British Waterways takes practical action to protect wild places and encourage wildlife while maintaining the canals and towpaths as fully-working waterways. This includes: maintaining water flow whilst keeping bankside areas for wildlife, managing the towpath margins and hedgerows, planting and maintaining trees, protecting roosting areas used by bats and ensuring canal banks have places where water voles can live.

Guides are available free from British Waterway's offices, the customer service centre on 01923 201120 or visit www.waterscape.com to enjoy the wealth of wildlife on our waterways, join an

event, visit a flagship tourist attraction or to take part in the National Waterway Wildlife Survey 2006 and tell us what you spot whilst visiting the waterways.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of British Waterways Scotland by Wave PR. For more information contact Chris Bell or Alison Jack on 0141 303 8390.

NOTES TO EDITORS

TOP TEN PLACES TO SPOT WILDLIFE