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A canal boat holiday is an excellent way of getting
a little bit closer to nature. Gliding gently along the UK's canal
network you'll be treated to some spectacular encounters with some
of Britain's best loved wildlife.
Fortunately canal towpaths have been relatively
unscathed by farming and urban development, and so they remain
an ideal habitat for flora and fauna to thrive. On your canal
boat holiday you will be in a privileged position to drift
past unspoilt landscapes full of wild treasures.
By traveling at a speed that is little more
than walking pace, you become ideally placed to get a good
look at wildlife you would otherwise miss, rushing past at
life's usual frenetic pace. Sitting on the deck of your canal
boat you will even find that some wildlife will come to you.
British bats flying low over the water catching small insects
in the early evening are just one of the natural delights
that canal boaters enjoy. During the day you will most likely
see moorhens and coots nesting in the open. Dozens of species
of wildflowers now lost to other areas of countryside still
grace the sides of many canal banks. You might even be lucky
enough to spot buzzards and other birds of prey swooping over
farmland.
The quieter pace of life on your canal boat
holiday also means you can enjoy the many sights and sounds
of the British countryside with little interruption. Relax
and drink in the sound of owls hooting at dusk, the call of
wild foxes and the gentle splashes of fish and frogs as they
play in the water around you.
To help with spotting wildlife on your canal
boat holiday there are a few small items which are definitely
worth packing.
1. A set of binoculars gets you up close
and personal to some of the shyer wildlife without disturbing
them.
2. A wildlife book comes in handy for settling disputes over
the latest wildlife spot. (Essential for keeping the peace
on your canal boat holiday).
3. A small fishing net (similar to ones used for rock pooling)
can help you get a closer look at some of the canals amphibian
inhabitants.
4. A notebook for keeping a record of what you've spotted
and where, along with sketches. Useful for comparing wildlife
spots on future canal boat holidays and to share your memories
with friends.
5. A camera to capture and remember really wild moment.
Canals are teaming with all sorts of life.
Some of the more common wildlife to keep an eye out for during
your canal boat holiday include:
Birds:
Swans, ducks, moorhens, coots, kingfishers, grebes, geese.
Whilst passing by farmland you may also be lucky enough to
see some of Britain's many birds of prey. Watch for buzzards,
kestrels and sparrow hawks
Insects:
Dragonflies, butterflies, mayflies and damselflies.
Mammals:
Foxes, badgers, squirrels, rabbits, water voles, bats.
Amphibians:
Frogs, toads, newts.
Reptiles:
Grass snakes and terrapins. Though not native to Britain,
terrapins have made their home in canals across the country
after being discarded as pets.
Experience all these creatures and doubtless
many others on your canal boat holiday with Tillerman Boats.
Contact us today to book a really wild experience. |
