We thought it would add some interest to find out what wildlife you might spot as
​you journey along the canal...
We have a nature diary onboard for guests to record the wildlife they see whilst holidaying on the Silver Ann 2.
Nature's most accomplished fisherman, the grey heron is known for its motionless stance at the water's edge.
Over recent years, national affection and dedicated conservation efforts have helped ensure the long-term survival of an animal whose forebears inhabited the earth some 30 million years ago.
Without a doubt the most abundant duck in the world, the wild mallard is a common and pleasing sight on our canals and rivers. Nearly every British child is acquainted with the mallard, even if they know it by the generic term 'duck', and familiarity has perhaps led us to under-appreciate this attractive, adaptable and above all resilient bird.
In all things of nature
there is something of the marvellous
​Aristotle
Best known as 'Ratty' from 'Wind in the Willows', the furry water vole is an endearing waterways character. However, it is not to be confused with its widespread cousin, the rat, the water vole is the largest British vole and one of our most endangered species. We have been working to highlight the vole's decline and boost populations for a number of years.
From the grace of 'Swan Lake' to the charm of 'The Ugly Duckling', the swan is a popular figure in British culture. These elegant birds which glide across the water with their long necks stylishly arched, have been material for myths and legends since storytelling began. As romantic icons, they rival Romeo and Juliet.
Stoats are very similar to weasels in appearance, although are usually larger and have a prominent black tip at the end of their tail. They grow up to 30cm long and have sandy brown fur on top and white fur underneath during summer, but are completely white during winter, apart from the tip of the tail.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks
​John Muir
Polecats are dark brown in colour with a pale underbelly and brown 'bandit mask' on their faces. They are weasel-like mammals that prefer to be alone and usually come out at night. They grow between 30cm-40cm in the body and are mostly found in Wales, the Midlands and central southern England.
Kestrels are expert hoverers and can often be seen suspended in the sky above roads or motorways. You may also spot one perched somewhere high, such as a branch, telephone pole or wire.
Barn owls are one of Britain's most reclusive, yet treasured birds. The best time to spot a barn owl is at dusk, when you may catch sight of one hunting for prey along our riverbanks and canal towpaths.
You can read more about them here:
Coots can be found in large numbers, along numerous waterways up and down the country. Coots are not graceful creatures. They take off by running along the water, in a flurry of flapping and splashing, and their underwater dives to obtain food are rather clumsily executed. Thankfully, they have a natural cork-like buoyancy and soon bob back to the surface to consume their catch.
You can read more here:
The Canada goose is one of the most recognised geese in the UK and is notorious for the loud honking noise that it makes. They can be seen throughout the UK and at all times of the year. Canada geese love water so lakes, reservoirs, canals and rivers are great places to spot them, as well as parks


​Damselflies are brightly coloured insects who, like dragonflies, are acrobatic masters of the air as they hunt for their prey.
You can read more about them here:
The 'King of Fishers' is usually glimpsed as a sudden flash of glistening blue. This colourful bird is a splendid sight, bathing in sunlight on a waterside perch. Even dedicated bird-spotters can fail to catch sight of it until it takes flight.
A pretty and distinctive little waterbird, The Mandarin Duck was introduced to the UK from the Far East as it name suggests. Oddly for a duck, it nests in trees, sometimes high above the water.
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