Humans meet wildlife of the waterways

The UK’s waterways are an ancient life force. For centuries, people have walked alongside them, lived on them, worked on them; and many still do. However, these aquatic avenues are not merely our domain – rodents, insects, fish, birds, dogs and even horses enjoy the waterways alongside us.

Humans of the Waterways is a beautiful online project set up by the Canal and Riverboat Trust, which collects and celebrates individual stories of people and waterways. Places can connect us to memories, like Tom from Manchester, who remembers feeding ducks along the local canal on the walk back from school with his Grandad – something he still does today.

Karina, an artist originally from East London was fascinated by her local lochs from a young age, and now living in Bath, uses the wildlife and scenery around her to feel inspired as she cycles down the towpath.

Many dog walkers and their furry friends enjoy waterways such as Paloma from Spain who can be seen along Camden Docks with her dog Betsy, and Lee and his dog Chicken who have been living on a narrow boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal for five years.

Barbara and Mike are keen birdwatchers and have taken this hobby to canals all over the UK, enabling them to catch glimpses of a whole range of birds, from ducks to osprey, whilst appreciating the beauty around them. They say being by the water also helps them to relieve stress.

These are just a few examples of how the scenery and nature around us, which we may take for granted, can actually enrich and enhance our lives. Often it’s right on our doorstep.

The Canal and Riverboats Trust are dedicated to encouraging people to appreciate how special the waterways we have are, to preserve them and also to improve them for communities and wildlife.

For more information visit: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/humans-of-the-waterways