Floating wetlands proposed for River Irwell
Salford City Council’s procurement board will next week consider putting out to tender a chance to design and build a series of islands along the River Irwell.
These interconnected, modular floating wetlands would sit along the Ordsall riverside. The high-buoyancy units would be made of high-density polyethylene and stainless steel, filled with light expanded clay aggregate, compost, woodchips, and planting.
The goal is for a series of manmade islands that boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and are interesting to look at, according to a council report.
Salford City Council has given the project a budget of £248,000, most of which would come from Section 106 agreements. The remaining £78,000 would come from the Environment Agency Water Environment Improvement Framework.
Should councillors vote to go ahead with the tender, it would be advertised on FTS and The Chest. The contract would be a design-and-build one, with those bidding able to propose their own technical solutions for delivery.
Floating wetlands are nothing new and can be found outside Glasgow Science Centre and along the Regent’s Canal in London. Earlier this year, University of Portsmouth and Southern Water began a floating wetlands research project to try and measure the impact these islands could have on water quality in Southcoast Wake Park. Perhaps one of the most famous floating wetlands is the Sengkang Floating Wetland at Punggol Reservoir, pictured at the top of this article.
The waterways in these cities are in dire need of investment – so this is welcoming news. You only need to look at areas like outside of Bridgewater Hall or Mayfield to see what a little TLC can do to uplift the feel of a place. More of this!
By Anonymous
You mean bogs
By Etnie
This is a great initiative, but, please can SCC keep on top of the rubbish that accumulates down in the Quay’s basin. It’s a disgrace. Thank you.
By Ian Thomson
A great idea provided they don’t get covered in litter and other floating debris.
By Anonymous
@Ian Thomson, its not the Council that’s responsible for clearing the rubbish in the water, its Peel Ports as the Ship Canal and docks are privately owned upto New Bridge Street. Middlewood Basin and the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal is owned by the Canal & River Trust.
By WatcherZero
What would this mean for Manchester River Cruises and the rowing club that go down the Irwell daily? Genuine question!
By Anonymous
We need this to provide safe areas for wildlife.
By Lynda H.
Why use a photo from Singapore when a photo from Glasgow or London could be used?
By Tony (Eccles G. M/c
It was easier to find a photo from Singapore that we were able to use via a creative commons license. Not the sexiest of answers, but there you go.
By Julia Hatmaker
It is illegal if copyright from Singapore? 🤔
By G J Kitchener
No. You can see credit information in the caption of the image, including the link to the creative commons license.
By Julia Hatmaker
Sounds a good idea!
By Anonymous
Great idea. The riverside litter in Salford is a disgrace, but that’s a bigger issue that needs public education, funding councils properly and maybe getting the dole wallahs to pick up litter. This will be good for the wildlife. It’s a good start
By Anonymous