In June 2014 a 50m2 pocket water garden wetland was created on the Regent’s Canal, by Baynes Street and by Camley Street National Park in Kings Cross. This used the BioHaven floating islands system. Not only do the man-made wetlands look good and support an array of wildlife, they also naturally cleanse the water.
BioHaven is a cutting-edge sustainable water quality and ecology technology. This is the first use in the UK and it was adapted to suit this environment through well-tested planting species. Its novel design not only overcomes the failings of other floating systems by providing a durable and resilient habitat, but also offers excellent long-term plant success and proven water quality treatment. It is made from recycled plastic fibres bonded together to form a complex structure. Microscopic organisms build-up naturally on the surface to form a sticky layer, called a ‘biofilm’. Within the biofilm microbes simultaneously break down harmful nutrients such as nitrates, ammonia, phosphorus and other water-borne pollutants including heavy metals and oils.
The project was led through the London Wildlife Trust. Funding came from the Royal Bank of Canada, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Kings Cross developers Argent.
Credits as supplied: The Scheme is a collaboration between ‘frog environmental’ and Refolo Landscape Architects.
