Floating Islands open for nesting

The covers have been taken off two man made floating islands at Lake Douglas in South Perth.

The floating islands were installed in April 2020 to encourage swans and other birds to nest, away from predators.

The man made islands are constructed from HDPE pipe and polypropylene grate, which have been planted with baumea preissii to create a nesting area.  The islands were initially covered in netting to allow the rushes to grow.

Lake Douglas has been identified as a suitable breeding ground for the swans and other birds. Apart from providing an ideal nesting area, the rushes underneath the islands will filter the water for nutrients and help improve the quality of water in the lake.

The floating islands are an initiative of the South Perth Foreshore Management Plan, Node 7 - the Lakes, to identify the most appropriate combination of uses for the foreshore area, while maintaining and preserving the environmental and heritage values of the area and its surrounds. For more information on the City’s Environmental Projects click here.

Photos thanks to Georgina Wilson.