Molly Gadenz of the Lower Regents Coalition writes:
The Lower Regents Coalition just completed its most recent project to further improve the stretch of the Regent’s Canal running from Limehouse Basin to Mile End Road. With our largest grant yet from the Mayor of London’s Greener City Fund, the group embarked on a two-day project to install 75 square metres of floating planters from Biomatrix Water Solutions into the canal between the Ben Jonson Road bridge and Johnson’s Lock. A significant amount of planning went into the project, including designing the floating structures to best fit the space where they were installed and selecting a range of aquatic plants that were beautiful to look at and attractive to pollinators. Planning also included developing appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in line with Government guidelines to make sure the group could run a safe, yet fun event.
Planting the raft
There were 15 volunteers on each of the two days and they assembled the floating planter modules, stocked them with the plants and launched them into the canal. The planters are held to the canal walls by a sturdy anchor system. They look amazing now but once the plants get established they will form a lush floating ecosystem both above and below the water that will become new habitat for birds, fish, insects and other wildlife. This was the Lower Regents Coalition’s biggest project to date. We are happy with the results and very grateful for all the support we received from the volunteers, as well as our partner organisations including Moo Canoes, the Ragged School Museum, Canal & River Trust and LB Tower Hamlets.
For more information about the Lower Regents Coalition, visit their Facebook page.
All photos by Lower Regents Coalition. Click photos to enlarge
Unloading the truck
Ready to launch
Rafts in place
Admiring our handiwork!
