Rivers and canals

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Rivers, streams and canals are a very important part of Wiltshire’s rich environment and include nationally important examples of chalk streams, winterbournes, lowland clay rivers, and limestone rivers rich in calcium carbonate.

Rivers, streams and canals are often used to convey flood waters and discharges, and provide water supplies for the public, agricultural and industrial use. They are sometimes managed as fisheries and, of course, are popular for recreation.

Watercourses and waterways also support a wealth of animal and plant species, many of which are rare. Action is constantly required to maintain and enhance populations of rare and declining species such as White Clawed Crayfish, Water Vole and Otter, and their associated watery habitats.

Watercourses and waterways also provide ‘wildlife corridors’ through some of Wiltshire’s countryside and urban areas, often linking fragments of good habitat despite heavily farmed or built up areas, and allowing species to travel between them.

Important habitats associated with rivers, streams and canals in Wiltshire include:

• Fen and swamp communities;
• Lowland wet grassland (floodplain grazing marsh including water meadows and a network of ditches);
• Carr woodlands;
• Open water bodies directly linked to the water course such as hatchery ponds and watercress beds, as well as natural backwaters; and
• Bank side reed beds.

Wiltshire Council recognises the value of these water systems to wildlife and people, and so works together with many organisations and individuals to ensure that wildlife and recreational value is conserved and improved.

River Avon (Salisbury Avon)

Kennet and Avon Canal

Cotswold Canals

Wilts & Berks Canal

Last updated: 15 February 2011