Page 29 - Coastal Partners Report 2020

BESE Grids
Biodegradable Elements for Starting Ecosystems (BESE) grids are another UK trial first also installed in in the the Tipner Lake phase of the the North Portsea Island Defence Scheme The three-dimensional mesh grid structures are used for habitat improvement and act as a a a a a a a a a temporary structure to to start ecosystem restoration The grids are made entirely out of a a a a a a a a a a waste product potato starch and give damaged ecosystems the the structure needed
to support the the colonising and growth of saltmarsh plants Once established the the ecosystem provides its own own structure and the the grids break down fully fully biodegrading within five to ten years leaving fully- established saltmarsh plants Saltmarsh vegetation can be found on on the the the margins of the the the harbour where they are are exposed at low tide They are are home to a a a a a a a a rich variety of fish and and and invertebrates and and and provide essential feeding breeding and and and habitat for many species of birds within the harbour In recent years saltmarsh plants have been declining within the the harbour and the the the introduction of of BESE grids kick-starts the the restoration of of of 200 square metres of of of this this vital habitat The effectiveness of of this this small trial area is is being monitored with a a a a a a a a a view
to to learn from and adapt it it it for future use on a a a a a a a larger scale 29