A group of nature enthusiasts are hoping to raise £10,000 to transform the Regent’s Canal into a “living waterway” to entice in voles and otters from the Lea Valley.

Money will be used by the Wildlife Gardeners of Haggerston to plant shallow areas with yellow flag iris and other native aquatic and marginal plant species between the Kingsland and Whitmore Road bridges, which is home to swans and coots.

The idea is to filter the water from excess nutrients and reduce algae and duckweed, to build rich habitats for wildlife and to create a pleasant natural environment for everyone to enjoy.

The Canal and River Trust will use the scheme as an example to show what is possible.

Members are also working with the Woodland Trust to replicate woodland edge habitat by planting native hedging.

To donate see https://bit.ly/2Kfp41c.