A new project integrating floating wetland edges and islands is flourishing in London’s Millwall Inner Dock. The project includes four nesting / preening areas for birds and over three thousand native aquatic plants. The installation is a project of the Canal and River Trust as part of their ‘Greening the Waterways’ and habitat enhancement initiatives.

The project was installed along a vertical hard-edged section of Millwall Inner Harbour, which has no other riparian habitat. It includes four nesting / preening areas for birds and over three thousand native aquatic plants. The project utilised Biomatrix 6D Specification range Floating Ecosystems utilising a unique natural planting media to support a diversity of wetland and coastal plants that would have been found in this area hundreds of years ago in this estuarine location before the city’s establishment.

High buoyancy tree planter modules planted with hazel, hawthorn, and gelder rose species provide additional wildlife cover and forage for songbirds.

The project was launched at South Dock and towed to its present location, Millwall Dock, where it provides shallow-water species in the ecosystem substrate in an area with 11 meters of depth. This historic location dates back to the 1860s.

“Installing floating habitats on our canals represents a significant step forward in enhancing local biodiversity and ecological health. These innovative installations not only provide essential breeding grounds for wildlife but also foster a deeper connection between our communities and their natural surroundings. The success of this project underscores our commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship and demonstrates the transformative impact of integrating nature with urban waterways.”

Ros Daniels, Regional Director, Canal and River Trust