London’s canals provide a home for many fish and aquatic plants, and are a great way to enjoy the natural world in some of the city’s most built-up areas.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
London's Canals
Borough: Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, Westminster
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 187.5 ha
Description
Wildlife
London's canals support a wide range of aquatic flora, amongst which are found a number of locally uncommon species. These include narrow-leaved water plantain (Alisma lanceolatum), rigid hornwort (Ceratopyllum demersum) and shining pondweed (Potomageton lucens), all species of clean, clear waters. Many waterside plants, including several London rarities, also grow on the brickwork and banks of the canal. The canals also support an important invertebrate fauna (including several species of dragon/damselflies), a diverse fish community, and breeding waterfowl. London's network of canals fulfill an important function in allowing nature into heavily built-up environments. The towpath and associated areas of waste ground, especially in East London, support a number of uncommon species of disturbed ground. The whole of the Grand Union Canal system in London, including the Regent's and Hertford Union Canals, is included in this single Metropolitan site.
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