We conducted a service visit on November 4, 2024, and are thrilled to report that the five Floating Ecosystems which were installed in April 2023, are thriving in their original locations, showcasing excellent maturity and habitat conditions. There are signs that biodiversity is rich with a variety of species, some of whose habitat was being lost in this area due to development – so it is exciting that they have potentially made this their new home!

All five islands boast a rich mix of perennial plants like Carex Paniculata, Carex Acutiformus, and Juncus Inflexus, providing robust winter cover.
Seasonal flowering plants, such as Filipendula Ulmaria and Lythrum Saliceria, are flourishing. Newcomer Epilobium hirsutum has also made an appearance. Larger shrubs have been pruned to maintain a healthy height.

Increased bird activity is anticipated as several nest sites were noted. Clam shells were also found on-site, which raise questions about local wildlife – could otters be nearby?

The bird fencing has begun to be removed from two northern islands, with plans to assess bird activity in spring 2025 and potentially remove fencing from the remaining islands later in the season.

Overall, the islands are displaying a mature and diverse range of vegetation with minimal litter, contributing to a clean and vibrant ecosystem. Exciting times ahead as we monitor further wildlife interactions.