Take a stroll along the Peak Forest Canal with breathtaking winter views over the Pennines.

Words, artwork and soundscape: Rob St John The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales carries the Llangollen Canal high above the River Dee valley. Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1805, the ‘Ponty’ spans over 300 metres across the wooded valley, its arches rising 38 metres through the treetops. The longest aqueduct in Great Britain,…

Known around the country as ‘Polly washdish’, ‘nanny washtail’ and ‘scullery maid’, the grey wagtail is much more than it seems, says naturalist Conor Jameson

An important source of autumn nectar, as well as providing roosts for birds, rodents and bats, ivy is an unexpected champion of our waterways.

From flycatchers sweeping through canalside woodlands to goldfinches singing from alders that dip their roots in the water – Fergus Collins introduces us to the unexpected birdlife thriving beside our canals and rivers

Whether it’s serene walks along the towpath, hedgerow berries just waiting to be picked or a return to the cool sanctuary of a floating home – autumn is a season to be savoured

Islands of aquatic, edible and bee-friendly plants are being installed in canals across the country, providing an oasis of nature and colour in urban areas