If you look close enough in and around Newham’s cleaner waterways and canals you will see it is teeming with wildlife.

Now British Waterways wants people to take part in its Wildlife Survey – putting creatures on the map.

This year’s survey highlights bats – Britain’s only flying mammal whose numbers have dramatically declined since the 1950s.

Canals and hedgerows play a vital part in Britain’s natural world by acting as “green corridors”, creating sheltered passages and allowing bats and many other species to travel safely between feeding grounds.

Species

These routes between habitats are especially important for our 17 species of native bat because they rely on the dark, insect-rich environment that canals provide at night, as well as ideal structures, such as our bridges and aqueducts, to roost and breed in.

To take part in the Wildlife Survey, take part in a guided bat walk or download a guide to waterways wildlife visit www.waterscape.com.