Photo: Gary Williams Photography
Canals, Communities and Wellbeing
Because life is better by the water..."
Originally built for industry, manmade waterways like the Montgomery Canal and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal once transported construction materials all around Wales. These days, they’re unique habitats for all sorts of wildlife and play an equally vital role in the wellbeing of the community.
The Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project aims to enhance the environment along the two canal corridors within Powys, as well as to develop connections between them and the community. It will raise awareness of the wealth of wonderful wildlife that calls the Montgomery Canal home, while at the same time encouraging local people to utilise these precious resources to boost their wellbeing through engagement with the wild world, recreation and active travel.
The Welsh Government-funded project will see Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust doing considerable work along the iconic Montgomery Canal, such as improving visitor information and adding new ‘Nature Play’ facilities for families at nearby reserve Llyn Coed y Dinas. What’s more, we’ll be launching a free smartphone app to help people spot, identify and record wildlife they see, and running a series of guided walks to showcase some of the hidden treasures along and around the waterway.
Like the wider landscape, the Montgomery Canal changes with the seasons © Gary Williams Photography
The Montgomery Canal
The Montgomery Canal runs for 24 miles from Newtown to Llanymynech in Wales and continues over the border into England to Frankton Locks before it eventually meets the Llangollen Canal.
Although it's not owned by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (Glandŵr Cymru, Canal & River Trust in Wales have this privilege), the waterway holds a special place in our hearts and we do considerable conservation work, and litter-picking, along its length.
In addition to being a beautiful spot, not to mention a wonderful way to explore this part of Montgomeryshire, the canal is very clean and incredibly rich in wildlife, thanks in part to its excellent water quality. The Welsh section has Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designation, while it’s also one of the best places in the world for Floating Water-Plantain.
What’s more, The Monty acts as a hub for many of our nature reserves. Llanymynech Rocks, Llyn Coed y Dinas, Dolforwyn Woods, Red House and Pwll Penarth are all located just off the towpath or easy walking distance, while Llanmerewig Glebe, Severn Farm Pond and Dolydd Hafren are also nearby and within the canal corridor.
Waterway wildlife
Wildlife abounds along the Welsh stretch of the Montgomery Canal, both in its clean waters, in the vegetation at its edges and in the verges along the towpath. It's awash with water birds, such as Mute Swans and Moorhens, Otters use it frequently to feed, the increasingly scarce Water Voles have been seen here too, and in the summer the air comes to life with darting dragonflies and damselflies.
Photo: Terry Whittaker/2020VISION
Photo: Luke Massey/2020VISION
Photo: Jon Hawkins/Surrey Hills Photography
Ohoto: David Tipling/2020VISION
Photo: Andrew Parkinson/2020VISION
Common Pipistrelle bat © Tom Marshall
WildNet - Bruce Shortland
Canal Safari
Want to find out more about the wildlife on the Montgomery Canal? Why not download Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s FREE smartphone app, Canal Safari? It’ll help you spot, identify and even record the plants, birds, mammals and other species most commonly seen here – it’s a great, fun way to explore this nature-rich waterway. To download, just click the button below:
Photo: Glandŵr Cymru/Canal & River Trust in Wales
FREE guided wildlife walks
As part of this project, we're going to be hosting a series of FREE guided wildlife walks along the Montgomery Canal led by passionate local conservationist and experienced walking guide, Andy Davies. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the relaxed rambles will be the perfect way to find out more about what makes this waterway so special for wildlife, to discover some interesting facts about particular birds, mammals and amphibians that use it, as well as to just connect with nature on a wonderful walk in a beautiful area.
Saturday 30th April 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Belan Locks, near Welshpool. 10am-1pm.
Sunday 29th May 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Abermule. 10am-1pm.
Friday 3rd June 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Llanymynech Heritage Area. 10am-1pm.
Wednesday 20th July 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Llanymynech Heritage Area. 10am-1pm.
Wednesday 10th August 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Abermule. 10am-1pm.
Friday 2nd September 2022
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Belan Locks near Welshpool. 10am-1pm.
NEW DATE!! Saturday 29th April 2023
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Belan Locks near Welshpool. 10am-1pm.
NEW DATE!! Sunday 14th May
A guided wildlife walk along the Montgomery Canal starting from Abermule. 10am-1pm.
© Flying Film Lab
A bird's eye view...
If you'd like to see the Montgomery Canal in Wales as you've never seen it before, check out our amazing film, featuring aerial footage captured on drone.
Watch the film (coming soon...)
Nature Play Area at Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve
As part of the project, we have created a new ‘Nature Play’ area at our Llyn Coed y Dinas Nature Reserve in Welshpool. The outdoor play area incorporates natural materials – including logs from nearby MWT nature reserve, Dolforwyn Woods, where ancient woodland is being restored – and timber equipment designed to complement the wild surroundings while facilitating engagement with nature and the great outdoors. With log benches, a ring of rustic log stools, a sensory ‘rainbow room’ and a mud kitchen, the outdoor area provides the perfect place for children and their families to enjoy imaginative and explorative play against the inspiring backdrop of a nature reserve. Here, young minds can explore, create and discover, while bug-hunting, bird-watching, leaf-collecting and wildlife-spotting – not to mention getting muddy, messy and having fun! This special space will be open to members of the public visiting Llyn Coed y Dinas, and will also host family-friendly events, educational visits from local schools and youth outreach sessions delivered by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.