'Water' great summer for wildlife

Although rare, 89 water voles were spotted

The water vole, the UK's fastest declining mammal, seems to be making good use of our canals according to British Waterways.

Their latest survey reports twice as many sightings than last year.

Water-loving birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and insects thrive on the Lancaster Canal which acts as a safe haven for many species.

The survey gives ecologists a clear picture of what species live where and how they can be protected.

The water vole joins nearly 300 different species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects and other mammals that have been spotted making their homes on Britain's inland waterways this year.

Rare butterflies, otters, a porpoise and even an alligator snapping turtle were among the less common of the 42,500 sightings recorded, while mallards, Canada geese and swans were the most commonly seen.

TOP TEN SIGHTINGS Mallard 7,037 Canada goose 2,550 Swan 2,482 Moorhen 2,019 Starling 1,693 Bumblebee 1,664 Rabbit 1,403 Coot 1,312 Stickleback 780

It was a good year for sightings of the survey's focus species, the bumblebee, as a warm start to summer meant that a healthy number were spotted taking advantage of waterside wild flowers.

There were also numerous sightings of kingfishers - an indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem.

Dr Mark Robinson, British Waterways' national ecology manager, says: "Canals and rivers are ideal wildlife corridors that support a vast array of wildlife, including bats, newts and otters.

"Whether you are in the middle of a city, or somewhere more remote, you are almost guaranteed to see some exciting wildlife on the waterway. If you look a little harder you might even see something rare or unusual.

"It is particularly encouraging to note the number of water voles spotted this year. Each record helps us to monitor, protect and preserve the amazing biodiversity found on our waterways."

British Waterways' 2009 wildlife survey reveals:

• Although rare, 89 water voles were spotted, twice the number than in 2008
• 127 different species of bird were sighted, including woodpeckers, reed warblers, little owls and almost 200 kingfishers
• 27 different species of butterflies were seen, including brimstones, small blues and speckled woods
• The number of frogs seen leapt three times from 2008