Plans to create a ‘floating ecosystem’ in the River Ouse have been given the go-ahead with a requirement to keep it litter-free.

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 12:28

By Joe Gerrard

The plans approved by City of York Council are set to see a 16.45m by 2.34m pontoon-like structure installed by North Street Gardens.

St Nicks, the environmental charity behind the plans, stated native aquatic plants would help create a thriving habitat for wildlife and help improve water quality in the River Ouse.

Conditions mandated by council planning officers require regular maintenance of the ecosystem to ensure that part of the river bank is kept litter-free.

Inspections will also be required after floods as part of its maintenance.

The ecosystem designed by Biomatrix is set to be made up of 14 modules fastened together with marine-grade stainless steel joints.

Floats will also be used to allow it to cope with changing water conditions and the structure will be fitted to the river wall.

The ecosystem’s design allows it to rise and fall in line with water levels in the River Ouse.

The ecosystem is set to host between 20 and 30 different plant species including flowering ones to attract pollinators and insects and evergreens to provide shelter for small mammals.

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