The category includes canals, drains and ditches, reservoirs, dams and ornamental lakes and ponds. All of these can provide havens for wildlife in built-up or heavily modified landscapes. Many ornithologists, for example, cultivated their interest as children at their local reservoir. Canals and drainage ditches are particularly important refuges for aquatic plants and invertebrates, and often host some of the best examples of these communities in Wales. The Montgomery Canal and the ditch flora of the Gwent Levels are well known for the flora and fauna they support.
Constructed waterways and standing waters

Amenity lakes, disused docks and gravel pits
Most towns and cities have one or more amenity lakes, like Pembroke Mill Pond (shown here). These often have domestic wildfowl collections and facilities for families, such as rowing boat and paddle boat hire. Disused docks have also been converted into urban leisure facilities. In the UK generally, gravel pits are often adapted for leisure…