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"I
remembered how on an April evening Fred had rowed
us dreamily along part of the Regent's Canal.
Overhead the buds were breaking on the elms, the
rooks were cheerfully sorting themselves into
pairs. My wife and I sat in the stern of the dinghy,
she trailing her fingers in the water and I myself
looking up dreamily at the silhouette of the trees
against the evening sky, amazed that such peace
and beauty could exist right here in London."
(Roger Pilkington's foreword to
Slow Boat through England, 1970)
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Download
this Action Plan in full
1.
Aims
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To
increase knowledge and understanding of canals and associated
habitats in London. |
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To
ensure the protection, enhancement and appropriate management
of canal habitats in London for the benefit of biodiversity
and enjoyment of current and future generations. |
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To
realise the potential of the canal and its biodiversity
as an accessible resource for education, recreation
and public involvement. |
2.
Introduction
Canals, constructed
to meet the transport needs of the Industrial Revolution,
were the motorways of their day, and their construction
made a major impact on the 18th and 19th century landscapes.
However, once established, canals soon developed their own
flora and fauna and today many are designated as important
wildlife sites at local, national and international level.
The London canal network
was cut between 1767 and 1830 to provide a transport link
within London and between the capital and the industrial
towns of the Midlands and the north. This Habitat Action
Plan covers artificial waterways for which British Waterways
London has management responsibilities; Grand Union Canal
(Main Line and Paddington Arm), the RegentĂs Canal, the
River Lee Navigation, Hertford Union Canal and the Limehouse
Cut, including the Docklands water spaces. Although initially
a success, their importance waned with the advent of railways
in the latter part of the 19th century.
Today, the network
of canals has developed into a unique asset for nature conservation
in London, whilst becoming an increasingly important amenity
and recreational resource.
The canal network
brings linear wetlands into the heart of London, creating
an important wildlife resource within an otherwise urban
area. This proximity to LondonĂs human population creates
a unique opportunity to provide public access to wildlife.
Contact
The Lead
for this habitat is the British Waterways.
photo
© British Waterways
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