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.
"The economy based around ports is essential but we can find innovative ways of putting the ecosystems back. This floating island is the first of its kind in a tidal estuary. It is an opportunity to bring back that habitat, with native plants. Once established there will be a reef colonised underneath."
The ambition is to make a 1km long stretch of island along the Tyne. Lisa Stephenson, Groundwork's Head of Business Development, aims to emulate the success of the 'Green Mile' in Chicago. That helped to attract investment and tourism, and the island is seen as a potential visitor attraction next to the Millennium Bridge.
"We have taken inspiration from Chicago," she said. "It has shown to give tangible economic benefits. Green and blue spaces are good for the mental health of people who live nearby and office workers."
The islands also help to raise the prices of properties on the riverside. Landscape architect Matt Machouki sad the island was safely tethered to the river bank. Its success will be monitored for future projects around the world.
It will also improve water quality, and has been funded by the Environment Agency with support from Northumbrian Water, NE1 and Newcastle city council.
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