Proposal Submitted for Bio-Receptive Tiles to Aid Coastal Wildlife

An environmental organization has put forward a proposal for the placement of bio-receptive tiles within an estuary, aiming to reconstruct environments for coastal species. Groundwork North East & Cumbria (GNEC) intends to construct 95 bio-receptive tiles and six artificial rock pools on the currently unused slipway situated at Whitehall Landing, in Whitby, close to the A171. The initiative is anticipated to draw in novel species and enhance the variety of existing species, including water voles, kingfishers, and freshwater pearl mussels. Furthermore, the charity aims for the project to “help to connect the local community to the river.” The selection of the estuary was based on its designation as a “heavily modified water body,” a result of man-made alterations that have diminished habitat diversity. Should North Yorkshire Council grant approval, the tiles are planned to be secured onto the current concrete surface of the slipway, approximately 200m north of the A171 road bridge in Whitby. These tiles are designed to offer a more intricate texture compared to the present concrete, which is projected to foster the establishment of seaweeds and green algae, subsequently attracting other species. At present, three varieties of seaweed are observed near the lower section of the slipway, whereas no plant life was documented towards the upper section of the ramp. A specific date for North Yorkshire Council to review the application has not yet been established.