A new report demonstrates how the UK’s unique network of historic canals, a legacy of the Industrial Revolution, are being repurposed to address some of the greatest challenges facing society.

The report by the Canal & River Trust charity found canals could play a “critical role” in biodiversity, decarbonisation and climate adaptation.

Photo credit: Malcolm Stirling

The trust’s canal network provides the longest corridor of freshwater habitats in the UK, which are a vital home within cities for a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons and the endangered water vole. Acting as a “nature highway”, canals allow species to thrive and move safely between cities and the countryside.

Download the Impact Report here.

Covered in The Guardian Canals have vital role to play in UK’s climate resilience, says charity