British Waterways has taken on the expertise of bat ecologists to map the movement of the creatures around the Lancaster Canal.

The Lune Aqueduct structure in particular has proved a haven for bats, which has led to the experts conducting a four-week stakeout to find out more.

Regeneration manager Steve Higham commented: 'The information gathered will be used to plan the works carefully and to ensure we don't disturb any bat habitats that may be at the aqueduct.

'Results of the survey so far indicate that Soprano and Common Pipistrelle species are prevalent in the area, although further research is still needed.

Volunteers were recently sought to lend a hand at the Droitwich Barge Canal, which is in need of some work to help encourage wildlife back to the area.

Among the tasks at hand is removing grass that has reduced the number of nutrients available in the soil for other organisms.