What is the purpose of the floating islands?
Artificial floating islands provide a valuable contribution to ponds by: • providing a safe resting and nesting ground for birds; • providing submerged cages that can be used as refuges by small fish and fry to escape predation. Cages should be constructed of mesh that restricts access to larger predatory animals. Advice should be sought from specialist contractor regarding the size of mesh; • providing a new habitat to colonise for invertebrate species, especially insects and butterflies; and • providing an additional feature which could increase visitor interest (aesthetic and educational use).
