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THERE'S A BUZZ ON SCOTLAND’S CANALS

Calling all wildlife lovers! British Waterways Scotland needs you to track Scotland's water-loving wildlife

From Friday 3 April 2009 - British Waterways Scotland wants nature lovers of all ages to get out and about on Scotland’s canals and record the bugs and beasties they spot there.

Water loving birds, mammals, fish, amphibians and insects thrive on Scotland’s canals, which act as green corridors and safe havens for many species. A superb family activity, the 6th annual wildlife survey will be open throughout the year until October – and the end results will give British Waterways Scotland a clear picture of what lives where and how they can be protected.

Dr Olivia Lassiere, heritage and environment manger, British Waterways Scotland says: “Scotland’s canals 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 bio diversity continues to thrive in Scotland – and this is where Scots can help. Last year over 1000 sightings were recorded on Scotland’s canals, nearly 10 times the number recorded in 2007, and this year we want to increase this number again! So next time you walk, jog or cycle along the towpath or visit a canal for a relaxing afternoon out, we want you to get wildlife spotting and tell us what canal creatures you’ve spotted.”

British Waterways Scotland needs 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, with support from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which aims to protect bumblebees and their habitats.

Dr Ben Darvill, director of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust comments: “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. We are pleased to be working with British Waterways to help protect these precious and beautiful insects.”

According to last year’s results mallards and swans are the most frequently spotted wildlife along Scotland’s canals, with frogs leaping into third place. Luckily only two terrapins, which can harm natural canal wildlife, were spotted in Scotland and five ‘Ratty’ water voles made the list, with their arch nemesis the mink also making an appearance.

The top place to spot wildlife in 2008 was the Forth & Clyde Canal with 652 sightings recorded; the Union was second with 300 registered sightings with 58 sightings on the Caledonian and 1 on the Crinan Canal. So the race is on for this year’s wildlife hot spot!

To help people get started, a guide to what wildlife can be found along the UK waterways, including information on bumblebees and tips on how to support them, is available from British Waterways Scotland on www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey.

British Waterways' ecologists and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust will use the records of sightings to build up a comprehensive picture of those species that are doing well and which ones need more support.

British Waterways UK is also running a photography and drawing competition alongside the survey for adults and children, with prizes of up to £100 available. Last year’s photography winner came from Glenrothes, so let’s hope the Scots make it two in a row!

For more information, or to download a wildlife survey guide, visit www.waterscape.com/wildlifesurvey