We were thrilled to be part of the York Cares Big Community Challenge, working with St Nicks, York Cares and Aviva to bring the first Floating Ecosystem to the City of York.  Situated on the River Ouse, at North Street Gardens, the Ecosystem brings habitat back to the river and amenity for the local residents.

The project brought together representatives and volunteers from organisations across the city, as part of York Cares’ Big Community Challenge.

Volunteers from Aviva, St Nicks and York Cares assisted in assembling, planting and launching the Ecosystem.  Native aquatic plants selected to give year round colour. As the plants mature they will provide valuable habitat above and below water.

“The project was such a fantastic opportunity for Aviva to work with Biomatrix team – they’re all so knowledgeable and our volunteers gained a real insight into the ecosystem installation process and the benefits it will bring to our local area.
Not only did the team work tirelessly to ensure the ecosystem was installed in time for our event,  but it was incredible for the volunteers to be able to plant up the modules and help launch them into the river. From a personal perspective, after over a year in the planning, it was so exciting to see this come to fruition and to be actively involved in the process.”

– Holly Hennell,
Aviva’s Community Impact Manager in York