Aviva, Partners to Create Sustainable Floating Ecosystem in River Ouse

• Protects biodiversity by providing shelter for insects and small animals.
• Creates a lasting environmental feature for the community.

Aviva, a British multinational insurance company operating from London, has collaborated with local charities St Nicks and York Cares to install a floating ecosystem in the river Ouse near North Street Gardens.

The objective of the project is to improve water quality and support wildlife.

What is a Floating Ecosystem?

A company called Biomatrix will build a floating structure made from recycled, non-toxic materials and will have several layers to support various plant and animal life. The 16-metre long and 2.4-metre-wide structure, anchored to the riverbed, will move up and down with the water levels. It has a lifespan of over 20 years and can be repaired or replaced if needed.

Benefits of Floating Ecosystem

• Includes flowering plants to attract pollinators like bees.
• Evergreen broad leaves provide a safe haven for insects and small animals.
• Supports conservation efforts and increases natural biodiversity.

Aviva, St Nicks, and York Cares volunteers will help build and plant the ecosystem.

Holly Hennell, in her role as Aviva’s Community Impact Manager in York, said: “We’re delighted to play a part in this exciting initiative alongside St Nicks and York Cares. Aviva are committed to supporting local environmental initiatives that help boost sustainability for our community to help them get ready for the future. Our Aviva colleagues will be using their volunteering hours to plant and launch the ecosystem into the river, and we’re looking forward to watching the structure spring into life in the future.”

Jonathan Dent from St Nicks said: “It’s so rewarding to be part of this amazing project to encourage a thriving wetland environment on the river Ouse. This is the culmination of months of planning and hard work from many York organisations to help restore ecological function on our rivers, which means the local community can experience and enjoy wildlife on their doorsteps for generations to come.”

Ellen Spurge from Biomatrix, added: “We are thrilled to be working with St Nicks and Aviva to bring this project to fruition in York for the local community for years to come. As well as all of the ecological benefits, the island will bring amenity to the local people and one of the best elements of any project installation is being able to see the delight on the volunteer’s faces when they help to assemble and plant the islands, making a sustainable platform for future generations of York to build upon.”

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Source: Aviva