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
Canals
There are several canal systems in Wales, the four main systems being the Llangollen Canal, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, the Montgomery Canal and the Swansea Canal. All of the Welsh canals were created during the Industrial Revolution for transporting materials to and from industrial centres and ports. While many canal sections are still navigable,…
Ditches and drains
As with many other cultural and man-made habitats, the combination of cultural history and natural history associated with the drainage systems of reclaimed land offers important educational opportunities for children in nearby towns and cities. The best examples of land reclamation and drainage ditches in Wales are found on the Gwent Levels in south-east Wales.…
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…
Reservoirs
The oceanic climate of Wales has ensured that reservoirs are well distributed throughout Wales. Some of the larger reservoirs in Wales are in the mountain areas and are oligotrophic, i.e., low in nutrients. While these tend to be of limited interest for biodiversity purposes, the scenery can be spectacular, e.g., at the Claerwen Dam in…