Waterways are important corridors for wildlife, linking rivers, land and water. Today the remains of the Lagan Navigation is a rambling waterway alive with heritage and nature. A haven for wildlife, the Lagan Navigation towpath trails effortlessly along a range of habitats from reedbeds, woodland, grasslands, hedgerows, still and flowing water.
The Campaign to re-open the navigation takes into consideration the rich habitats and species along the corridor. To ensure that this is protected as much as possible, extensive surveys and assessments are undertaken before work starts, and measures put in place to ensure minimal disruption to wildlife. Experience from other re-opened navigations indicates that habitats and species tend to return quickly to the waterway, with an overall improvement in the natural environment following restoration.