A floating nature island with a 'Great Geordie Reef' has been launched on the River Tyne in a pioneering scheme inspired by a similar project in Chicago.
The £120,000 project is a 'world first' - and it is hoped to be a forerunner for rivers and estuaries across the UK and beyond. The new 1,000 sq ft ecosystem - about the size of eight car parking spaces - will recreate habitat lost to heavy industry.
It will also improve water quality and bring 'greenery' to the riverbank. It is designed to deal with the huge tidal variations of the River Tyne - which will become a vital haven for wildlife.
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It is the first time that a nature island has been built to withstand the change in the tides. And it will be monitored to see how it withstands the ebb and flow of the water. It will also help protect birds, molluscs and fish in an area where natural habitat is under threat from sea level rise.
Underneath the structure, the roots and shelters for fish will create a mini reef system for 'sea squirts', migrating fish such as salmon and tiny sea creatures which help to clean up the water. Hellen (c) Hornby, of Groundwork North East, the charity behind the project, said: "Many rivers have been affected by industry and the natural habitats have been lost, so the wildlife has gone.
