Insights

An innovative proposal to create an artificial island on the River Ouse has been introduced by the environmental charity St Nicks, aiming to bolster local wildlife and improve water quality. The planned structure, described as a "floating ecosystem," would be situated near North Street Gardens in York, providing a vital resting and nesting area for birds. The design includes an anchoring system that allows the island to adapt to fluctuating water levels during flooding. The project, which has been submitted to the City of York Council for approval, is expected to enhance the river's ecosystem by breaking up the water's surface and providing shade. The roots of the native plants will foster a habitat for small fish, creating a balanced aquatic environment. The floating garden will measure 54 feet long and 7 feet wide, constructed from seven modules made of coconut coir, and is anticipated to take about a year for the plants to establish. St Nicks emphasizes that floating ecosystems are engineered to improve water quality by increasing aquatic life, leading to a revitalized waterscape. The charity notes that these structures require no watering, as nature effectively manages itself once the ecosystem is in place. The Scottish company Biomatrix is set to design and construct the floating garden, with St Nicks responsible for its maintenance post-installation.