OUR precious wildlife seems to be disappearing at an alarming rate. And with more and more of our countryside ending up fragmented by development, it is vital that experts have a comprehensive guide to what’s living where and which species are struggling.

Even with the greatest of efforts, it is impossible for official organisations to keep tabs on miles and miles of habitats, particularly along waterways. But that’s where walkers, boaters, cyclists and wildlife lovers come in. Just keeping your eyes peeled and making a few notes on a special website or mobile phone app will help the Canal and River Trust create a ‘living map’ of the shelter, food and breeding grounds provided by the canal. And the information will be vital in helping to protect threatened species such as kingfishers, butterflies and dragonflies along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, for example.

With the State of Nature Report highlighting that ‘freshwater and wetland habitats occupy just three per cent of the UK’s surface but support around 10% of our species’, it is critical to ensure they remain a thriving place for hundreds of animal and plant species.

So do your bit to help halt the decline and take a walk for wildlife this week.