Update by Anthony Birkett
Hi Everyone
As I've alluded to in the last couple of updates, we had some very special guests from Westmoor Primary School on site last week. The school council kindly agreed to put on their gardening gloves to help bring life to Killingworth Lake.
Floating eco-systems, designed and made by specialist contractor Biomatrix Water, have been installed on Killingworth Lake to give plants and animals a place to live, both above and below the water.
Fixed in the centre of the lake, they will also help to keep the lake clear, with their plant roots sucking up nutrients and cleansing the water.
It’s the first time Northumbrian Water has used floating eco-systems as part of a project, to help improve water quality and biodiversity.
The day went down very well and the kids seemed to enjoy planting the floating gardens. I've attached a few photos and a video of the day. It will take a little while to establish, so I have also attached a few pictures of islands from other projects to give an idea of what it may look like.
Project Manager, Lynn Preston, said: “It was a pleasure to have Westmoor Primary School join us in establishing the floating islands with plants and shrubs, and for them to learn about biodiversity with a talk from Biomatrix. As well as being an attractive addition to the lake, the islands will provide a natural habitat for wildlife and fish, as well as keep the lake clean and clear.”
Cllr Carole Burdis, cabinet member for Community Safety, North Tyneside Council, said: “I am really pleased to see local schoolchildren getting involved in the planting and learning all about biodiversity. Killingworth Lake is a beautiful spot and the floating islands look great and bring something different and unique.”
Nicola Hyslop, lead officer for the project from Environment Agency, said: "It′s fantastic that Westmoor Primary School joined us in establishing the floating islands, which will be a great addition to the lake, providing a natural habitat for wildlife."
Thanks once again to our friends at Westmoor Primary School for your help last week, it was much appreiated.
Regards
Tony
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