An army of volunteers were on hand yesterday, 1 August, to create floating islands that will help attract a raft of fauna and flora to the Manchester city centre canal.
The Bridgewater Basin will see six floating habitats launched into the water that will support active ecosystems, improving biodiversity and water quality in the basin.
Around 25 volunteers from Manchester City Council and the Friends of the Rochdale 9 will help create the islands that are hoped to attract a range of new wildlife including bees, dragonflies and other insects, which will in turn feed birds and bats. Below water it is hoped the ecosystems will also attract a range of fish species.
The final islands will be launched into place this afternoon, 2 August, with music accompaniment from a brass quintet.

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