Brits on Canal Boat hire holidays in the Midlands are being encouraged to help monitor bat populations across the region's network of waterways.

An initial field survey of bat populations has been arranged tomorrow (July 27th) at the Stewponey near Stourbridge by British Waterways.

The event will include a walk along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal towpath, with an ecologist on hand using a bat detector to identify the distinctive ultra-sonic noises of each species.

Tourists taking part can expect to encounter Serotine, Noctule and Pipistrelle bats as they fly overhead in search for food.

British Waterways ecologist Paul Wilkinson explained that there will also be plenty of opportunities to spot other rare animals in the surrounding countryside.

He said: 'Canals and rivers are great places to spot wildlife at any time of the day.

'The survey is incredibly important as it will help to conserve these precious animals but it's also a great excuse for a healthy walk and an opportunity to see other nocturnal wildlife such as badgers, foxes and owls.

'There have been a range of events taking place across Britain's canal network this month, with locals and those on Canal Boat Holidays keen to take advantage of the summer sun.

Leeds Waterfront festival and the Dewsbury Canal Festival were among the events taking place throughout July.