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Old Barges Become New Bird Island Haven
28 Jan
Summary
- Decommissioned barges sunk to form new island habitat.
- Project aims to protect endangered birds from rising sea levels.
- The initiative is described as a first of its kind in the UK.
In a pioneering initiative, the National Trust has sunk three old Thames barges in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex, to create a new island habitat for endangered birds. This project, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, aims to protect vulnerable species such as dunlin, curlew, ringed plover, and lapwing.
The decommissioned barges, once used for industrial transport, were filled with sediment and covered to form a new landmass on the edge of Northey Island's saltmarsh. This innovative, nature-based solution is designed to combat coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels, safeguarding the existing saltmarsh habitat.
Measuring between 20 to 32 metres, the barges underwent cleaning and preparation before being towed into position. Holes were cut into their hulls, and they were filled with mud to secure them. Once fully established with gravel, the new island will sit safely above high tides, providing a vital refuge.
This 'marine recycling' effort adds approximately 0.55 hectares of new habitat, nearly the size of a football pitch, within the estuary. The project is a collaboration involving multiple environmental and engineering bodies, including the Environment Agency and Natural England.
