Sunken Thames barges create new Essex island for birds

Three decommissioned Thames lighters were sunk and filled with sediment in the Blackwater Estuary off Essex to form a new island intended as habitat for shorebirds, the National Trust says.

Three decommissioned Thames lighters have been sunk in the Blackwater Estuary between Maldon and West Mersea in Essex to form a new island for birds. The barges were filled and then covered with sediment after sinking. The National Trust said the work aims to reduce erosion and create habitat for shorebirds. The trust described the project as part of several nature-based measures to protect Northey Island from rising sea levels and rapid saltmarsh loss. Key facts: - Three decommissioned lighters (former Thames barges) were deliberately sunk in the Blackwater Estuary between Maldon and West Mersea. - After sinking, the barges were filled and covered with sediment to create an emergent island. - The new structure is intended as habitat for shorebirds including dunlin, curlew, ringed plover and lapwing; some of these species are described as endangered. - The lighters had previously been used to carry coal and other industrial materials. - The National Trust said this is one of several nature-based solutions to protect Northey Island and believes it is the first project of its kind in the UK. Summary: The National Trust says the measure is intended to reduce local erosion and provide nesting and feeding habitat for shorebirds near Northey Island. Undetermined at this time.