People on Canal Boat Holidays are being invited to a bat gathering, where nature enthusiasts will be given the chance to see these fascinating species.

British Waterways is asking participants to meet at Hopword near Bromsgrove, Birmingham, on September 28th for the evening stroll.

The fun will start at 18:30 BST and will see people guided along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal by bat ecologist and specialist Paul Wilkinson.

He commented: 'Luckily, canals and rivers help bats a great deal - they not only provide them with the water they need to rehydrate, they also attract midges and other flying insects which provide a ready feast.

'Mr Wilkinson added that bats are also considered as a priority for many conservationists.

Anglers were recently asked by British Waterways to keep an eye out for a so-called killer shrimp, which are a threat to other species living in canals.

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