Crocodile is seen on county canal

A British Waterways survey has uncovered rare wildlife, including a crocodile, on Warwickshire's waterways.

Volunteers on the canal and river network helped the research, finding an osprey by the Oxford Canal and a small crocodile on the Cotswold Canal.

The survey is aimed at encouraging more people to enjoy the animals and plants.

Hannah Graves, ecologist for British Waterways South East, said: "We have spotted some amazing wildlife on Warwickshire's waterways."

'Haven for wildlife'

She said mallards and swans were most commonly seen, but there also reports of otters.

"Lakes, rivers and rocky or coastal areas are otters' natural habitats but they can also be spotted hunting their prey in quiet stretches of the canals.

"Canals and rivers are a haven for wildlife and provide vital green corridors that connect the countryside with the hearts of our towns and cities."

The information from hundreds of people will be used by British Waterways to help manage and protect the wildlife in and around the canals and rivers.