Wildlife on the water

Last year's survey focused on the dragonfly and damselfly

British Waterways is calling on nature lovers of all ages to get out and about on Lancashire's canals, rivers and reservoirs and record the bugs and beasties they spot there.

Water loving birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and insects thrive on the Lancaster Canal which acts as green corridor and safe haven for many species. The annual wildlife survey will be open throughout the year until October 2009 - and the end results will give ecologists a clear picture of what species live where and how they can be protected.

Chris John, British Waterways national ecologist, said, "Britain's waterways are enjoyed by millions of people every year and provide valuable habitats for an amazing array of plants and animals. We want to ensure that the beautiful biodiversity continues to thrive in Lancashire - and this is where you come in. Next time you are visiting your local waterway, we want you to tell us what canal critters you've spotted and where. The Lancaster Canal is free and accessible to visit at any time of year so why not make a day of it and head out for some fresh air and wildlife spotting."

The canal at Glasson is a good spot for insects!

British Waterways is asking nature novices and seasoned spotters alike to count all creatures they spy. This year, the survey has an extra focus on endangered native species the bumblebee and is supported by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, which aims to protect bumblebees and their habitats. The survey includes all waterways, not only those cared for by British Waterways.

Crisis point

Jane Kennedy MP, Minister for Farming and the Environment, comments: "Bumblebees help to put food on our plates - many crops, including most fruits, depend on these pollinators. Bumblebees have struggled with changes to the British countryside so the vital lifelines of our rivers and canals are important to their survival. I welcome the survey's focus on bumblebees this year and hope that it raises awareness of the problems that bumblebees face and their important role in food production."

Dr. Ben Darvill, director of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust said, "Three of Britain's 25 native species of bumblebee are now nationally extinct and a further six are at crisis point, according to the Government. With the rapid destruction of bee-friendly habitats such as fields, canals and river banks are playing an important role in supporting the survival of bumblebees as they are home to a variety of wild flowers and native plants that bumblebees rely on."

To help people get started, British Waterways has produced a guide on their website of what wildlife can be found along the our canals and rivers, including information on bumblebees and tips on how to support them...

* Last year's survey focused on the dragonfly and damselfly and the elusive grass snake, mink, otter and water vole were all spotted along the Lancaster Canal.