UK river ecology 'testament to water quality'

The vast ecological life that has been found in the waterways in the UK is evidence of the improvement of water quality in its rivers, it has been said.

According to the national ecology manager for British Waterways Mark Robinson, there has been a lot of successful work completed to improve the water quality in Britain.

His comments come in response to the national Waterways Wildlife Survey, which recorded an unprecedented number of kingfishers, newts, toads and otters in canals and rivers in the UK.

It also reported that sightings of the kingfisher have increased by 200 per cent.

"It is a testament to the huge improvements in water quality and habitat management that we, along with local communities and partner organisations, have worked hard for," Mr Robinson said.

He added that the jump in wildlife numbers is an indicator of a "thriving ecosystem".

Last year's British Waterways Wildlife Survey also reported a greater number of wildlife compared with 2008's figures, showing that the water quality of UK's rivers has been consistently improving over the years.

Posted by Lauren Steadman