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Sunken Barges Become Bird Sanctuary Island
28 Jan
Summary
- Three decommissioned Thames barges now form a new bird island habitat.
- 8,000 cubic metres of sediment creates the island, equal to three Olympic pools.
- The island provides a safe refuge for vulnerable bird species above high tides.
In an innovative act of marine recycling, the National Trust has sunk three decommissioned Thames barges in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex, to create a new island habitat for birds. These vessels, dating back to the 1950s, were once used for transporting goods along the Port of London.
The transformation involves filling and surrounding the barges with approximately 8,000 cubic metres of sediment, equivalent to three Olympic swimming pools. This substantial volume of mud is being transported via dredge barge, requiring around 170 trips from Maldon harbour.
Holes were cut into the hulls of the barges, measuring between 20 and 32 metres long, to sink them and create a stable base. Once filled with sediment and topped with gravel, the island will sit safely above the highest tides.
This new 0.55-hectare sanctuary, located near Northey Island, aims to provide a crucial refuge for declining bird populations. Species expected to benefit include dunlin, curlew, lapwing, ringed plover, little terns, avocets, oystercatchers, Brent geese, and redshank.
Beyond providing a safe haven for birds, the island will also play a role in reducing erosion of the existing saltmarsh at Northey Island. This saltmarsh is vital for local wildlife and acts as a significant natural carbon store, with the new island helping to protect it from wave energy.
