Discover wildflowers and grasses, water-loving plants, insects,
fish, birds and mammals as you explore the Forth & Clyde
Canal.
On the wing
Birds you'll see along the canal could include mute swan,
mallard, coot, little grebe and tufted duck.
In the water
Below the waterline, shoals of pike, perch and roach can be
seen. Otters also frequent the canal and, along with pipistrelle
and Daubenton's bats, are most active at night.
Canalbank
Nearby hedgerows and woodland provide cover, nesting sites and
food for hedgehogs, grey partridge, chaffinch, water voles and wood
mice. Watch out for the extremely rare Bennett's pondweed - the
only location in the world where it is known to occur.
Special spots
Along the canal there are four places of
particular wildlife interest - Dullatur Marsh
and Possil Loch are designated as Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSIs) and each end of the canal is a designated Special
Protection Area (SPA) for estuarine birds.