Floating ecosystems installed on Nottingham’s waterways to attract more wildlife into the city centre

We’re installing the ecosystems to soften the edges of the canal walls and attract more birds, bugs and watery wildlife.

Giving the canal a more natural feel

The ecosystems are made largely of coir rolls and, before being put into the water, they will be planted up with a variety of plants popular with pollinators and other species. Once the plants are established, they will give the waterway a more natural feel and bring life and colour into the city.

The project is being funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund through Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Installation will take place on 9 and 11 September and will see the ecosystems anchored in place along the canal near Canal Street and London Road, maintaining space for passing boats. In recent years the Trust and its volunteers have installed around 200m2 of floating ecosystems elsewhere on the canal, helping to make it more attractive to people and wildlife and support the city’s carbon neutral ambitions.

A unique corridor for nature

Hannah Booth, our environment manager, said: “The Nottingham & Beeston Canal was built over 200 years ago for navigation but today it also provides a unique corridor for nature, bringing a whole host of species right into the heart of the city.

“A key part of our work caring for the nation’s historic waterways is helping nature to recover and thrive, and these new ecosystems will provide valuable habitats for plants, insects and young fish, right in the heart of the city.

“As a charity we’re so grateful for the Species Survival Fund money to help us carry out these improvements. The funding will not only provide valuable habitats for wildlife but also make the canal a more attractive place for people living and working in the city.”