Archipelago of Floating Islands Installed in Bridgwater’s Historic Tidal Basin
September 25, 2025
Bridgwater in Somerset has a rich maritime heritage. In years gone by, coal barges would dock to unload at the coal yard—now replaced by an apartment block—before setting off again, loaded with bricks from the local kiln. That same kiln now forms part of the Somerset Brick and Tile Museum. Barges would carry these bricks across the water to Wales, forming a vital part of the region’s industrial story.
Over time, with the evolution of transport and manufacturing, the dock area fell into decline. That’s why we at Biomatrix Water felt deeply honoured to be invited by the WWT Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project to help bring new life to this historic site through the installation of Floating Ecosystems.
Floating Ecosystems: A New Chapter for the Waterway
These Ecosystems are designed to create a thriving habitat for birds, fish, and pollinators, while improving water quality and softening the edge of the dock basin. By restoring a touch of wildness to this tidal space, the Floating Ecosystems reconnect the community with nature and honour the legacy of the waterways. They also offer opportunities for education, engagement, and ecological renewal in the heart of town.
‘It’s been a really exciting project to work on. We hope that these Floating Islands can flourish into exciting new ecosystems which will benefit wildlife and people long into the future.”
Project Manager
Bridgwater Blue Heritage
Stories from the Shoreline
cated beside a main pedestrian route into Bridgwater, the site invites passers-by to pause and reflect. During the installation, we were especially moved by stories shared with us—memories of stevedore grandparents, or of childhoods spent playing along the dock and the River Parrett.
Photo Credit: Steve Webber
Photo Credit: Joe May
Volunteers Make It Happen
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the local volunteers from The Prince’s Trust at Weston College, and to Steve and Stan from WWT, who braved the wind and rain to help bring this project to life. Your energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the community were truly inspiring, and your hands-on support helped turn a vision for regeneration into something living and beautiful.
The Bridgwater Blue Heritage project is funded by the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme.
