Ben Fenton of Thames21 writes:
Thames21 volunteers have installed a 36-metre-long floating ecosystem on the Limehouse Cut, close to Bartlett Park. This will bring new habitats to the area, and improve the biodiversity of this section of the canal, which currently lacks aquatic vegetation.
The floating rafts have been planted with a variety of native wetland plants, including Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Marigold, Water Mint, sedges and more. These will provide cover for water birds and other wildlife, as well as an attractive green edge to the canal with some colourful flowers. The plant roots will hang into the water, improving water quality and providing a place for fish to spawn.
Photos by Tony O’Dell – click to enlarge
Constructing the raft
Launching the raft
Adding the vegetated coir mat
Part of the completed raft
Happy volunteers
