Plans for floating wildlife habitat approved

The new 'floating ecosystem' will be located by North Street Gardens

Plans to create a "floating ecosystem" on the River Ouse in York have been approved.

City of York Council has given the go ahead for the island habitat to be installed on the water near to North Street Gardens.

St Nicks, the environmental charity behind the plans, said it would be planted with native aquatic plants to create a thriving habitat for wildlife and help improve water quality.

The approval for the 54ft (16.5m) by 7.5ft (2.3m) pontoon-like structure was given with a requirement to keep it litter-free.

Designed by Scottish firm Biomatrix, the floating island will be made up of 14 modules fastened together with marine-grade stainless steel joints.

Floats will also be used to allow it cope with changing water conditions and the structure will be attached to the river wall.

The design will allow it to rise and fall in line with water levels in the River Ouse.

A floating ecosystem, similar to the one pictured above, will be installed on the River Ouse

Set to host between 20 and 30 different plant species to provide shelter for small mammals, it is hoped the natural haven will attract pollinators and help support wildlife including nesting birds.

It will also provide shade under water and the roots of plants could become a shelter and feeding ground for fish.

Once installed council planning officers require it to be regularly maintained to ensure the river bank is kept litter-free.

The plans state: “Floating ecosystems can be the injection of life an area needs.

“The structural floating technology allows thriving wetland communities to be created in challenging and dynamic waterbodies."

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