Waterbirds and other wildlife in the Spirit Quay section of the Wapping Canal received a big boost in February with the installation of new floating wetlands, thanks to a grant from the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund and match funding from the Tower Hill Trust.
Tower Hamlets Council, in partnership with Biomatrix Water and E1 Waterbird Welfare, installed 11 floating islands planted with a wide variety of native wetland plants. Local volunteers from the Wapping Wildlife WhatsApp group assisted with the assembly and planting of the islands. They were joined on one day by staff from the Council’s Sustainable Development Team and the next day by volunteers from Spitalfields City Farm.
Assembling the swan raft
The completed swan raft (Jonathan Taylor)
These high quality Biomatrix floating islands replaced rafts installed in 2018, which had failed to retain any vegetation. One larger island was constructed with a big open area, an ideal nest site for the local pair of Mute Swans, who showed an interest as soon as the raft was on the water (see photo below). However, the swans appear to have chosen to nest this year under the bridge by Hermitage Basin. Five of the standard-sized islands include a smaller nesting platform that might be used by ducks or geese, and five are fully planted. A pair of Moorhens is already nesting on one of the islands.
Swans investigating
Moorhen nesting
Apart from the benefits for birds, the islands will provide habitat for invertebrates, and the roots below the raft will provide shelter for small fish. Uptake of pollutants and nutrients will help to improve water quality. And the green edge, with colourful flowers of marsh marigold, yellow iris and purple loosestrife, will provide an atteractive backdrop for the many people who walk or cycle alongside the canal. The project will make a significant contribution to targets in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.
All photos by John Archer unless indicated. Click photos to enlarge
Safety briefing
Moving an island
Launching an island
A Mallard resting on an island
All rafts in place
