Floating islands built in dock as wildlife habitat
Environment AgencyFloating islands have been installed in a dock to provide new habitats for wildlife.
The three artificial islands have been created in Middlehaven Dock in Middlesbrough, where few natural habitats exist.
The platforms have been pre-seeded with native plants and it is hoped they will provide a haven for insects, birds, molluscs and fish.
Tees Rivers Trust CEO Ben Lamb said the scheme would provide a "great new habitat for animals and plants in, on and around the river to colonise".
The islands have been built from modular units that can be configured into different shapes.
They have a total surface area of 600sq ft (180sq m) and it is hoped they will provide shelter for juvenile and migrating fish.
The rivers trust is also planning to install artificial rock pools along the walls of the dock to create even more places for wildlife to thrive.
The project was designed in partnership with the Environment Agency (EA), Middlesbrough Development Corporation, Middlesbrough Council and BP.
EA project manager Liz Walters said creating artificial habitats was an "innovative solution which provides an opportunity for nature to thrive".
"This work is a great example of local partners joining forces to bring shelter and food for fish and wildlife and support improvements to water quality and biodiversity," she said.