The Canal & River Trust has today launched the Great Nature Watch – a campaign to get members of the public involved in helping protect hundreds of miles of waterway habitats.

The old industrial routes of canals and inland waterways, such as the Kennet & Avon Canal in Wiltshire, have become a unique corridor for wildlife, providing essential shelter, food and breeding grounds.

The habitats they provide are helping to support many of the region’s most valuable, yet threatened wildlife species such as kingfishers, butterflies and dragonflies.

But a national report earlier this year revealed that 60 per cent of more than 3,000 animal and plant species have declined in the UK in the past 50 years.

The State of Nature Report was compiled by 25 wildlife organisations, from the RSPB to the British Lichen Society, highlighting that ‘freshwater and wetland habitats occupy just three per cent of the UK’s surface but support around 10 per cent of our species.

And now the Trust is taking action to address this issue.

By using a free app called enaturewatch, or online via the Trust’s website, visitors will be asked a series of questions which will help paint the picture of a cross section of canal or river habitat being surveyed.

Laura Plenty, ecologist at the Canal & River Trust, says: “Our ultimate aim is to ensure there are plenty of habitats for wildlife to move up and down our waterway corridors, through city centres, as well as remote parts of the countryside."

While out on the towpath, budding environment enthusiasts and families will be able to learn about what they see through a ‘spotter’s guide’, a section of the app designed to teach people about the wildlife, plants and trees that can be found on the towpath.

Great Nature Watch walks will also be held by the Trust’s specialist ecologists throughout the summer.

The free enaturewatch app is available on IOS and android platforms. For more information on Great Nature Watch visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/great_nature_watch.