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.

Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway
Former Police Officer from West Yorkshire Convicted of Rape and Misconduct
Huddersfield Man Found Guilty of Historic Sexual Offences Against Teenage Girls
Bradford Couple Say Harassment Complaints Are Being Ignored
Accrington Drug Dealer Jailed After Crack Cocaine Found Hidden in Deodorant Can
Tour de France 2027 to Race Through Blackburn and Darwen
Vandals Rip Out Bollards at Popular Halifax Beauty Spot
Bradford Council Proposes £50m Savings to End Reliance on Government Financial Support
Hillingdon Residents Face 70% Parking Charge Increase from April 2027
Milton Keynes Council Cracks Down on Scams, Rogue Traders and Unsafe Businesses
Two Men Jailed for 28 Years Over Deaths of Leeds Mother and Daughter
Police Appeal to Two Women Following Indecent Exposure Report in Slaithwaite
Bhangra Nights
Legal Show
Alim OnAir
Remix Saturdays