The National Trust has recently submerged three decommissioned barges to create a new sanctuary island for birds in the Blackwater Estuary, Essex. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to bolster local wildlife habitats. The project utilizes approximately 8,000 cubic meters of sediment, equivalent to three Olympic swimming pools, to fill and surround the sunk vessels. A dredge barge will make around 170 trips from Maldon harbor to transport the necessary mud.
Details of the Sunken Barges
The three barges, known as Thames lighters, date back to the 1950s and were previously used for transporting materials like coal and food. Each barge measures between 20 and 32 meters in length. To prepare them for sinking, holes were cut into their hulls, allowing them to serve as stable structures that will foster bird life.
Target Bird Species
- Dunlin
- Curlew
- Lapwing
- Ringed Plovers
- Little Terns (vulnerable)
- Avocets (vulnerable)
Katy Gilchrist, the coastal project manager for the National Trust, emphasized the innovative aspect of this project. She noted, “This is the ultimate act of marine recycling—transforming retired industrial vessels into a sanctuary for wildlife.” The conversion of these decommissioned vessels marks a significant undertaking that no one has tried before.
Island Features and Benefits
The newly established island will add 0.55 hectares (1.4 acres) of habitat, nearly equivalent to the size of a football pitch, in the Blackwater Estuary. It is located just off the eastern shore of the existing Northey Island. Matt Wilson, countryside manager for the National Trust, highlighted the importance of this refuge, stating it will provide a safe haven for birds above the highest tides, away from shoreline disturbances.
Future Expectations
With a variety of bird species expected to occupy the island, some of the birds include oystercatchers, Brent geese, redshank, and curlew. The National Trust plans to continue topping off the island with sediment before monitoring bird activity. Moreover, the island is projected to help mitigate erosion of the existing saltmarsh at Northey Island. This is crucial for maintaining the natural flood defense that the marsh provides, which significantly supports local wildlife.
Overall, by creating this bird sanctuary island, the National Trust not only protects avian populations but also enhances the ecological integrity of the Blackwater Estuary. The initiative stands as a significant step towards ecological conservation and marine sustainability.
