If you are a Guardian reader you may have seen the article this week featuring Nigel George (pictured right) from Isle of Wight eco-engineering design company, Artecology.
News OnTheWight readers will remember previous articles about award-winning trailblazers, Artecology, who are responsible for developing the pioneering living seawalls called Vertipools.
Fending off “coastal squeeze”
Charlie Metcalfe’s article in The Guardian focuses on how various groups around the world, including Artecology, are working to tackle a geographical process called “coastal squeeze”.
As a result of the rising sea levels, intertidal habitats are being reduced, impacting the likes of crabs, starfish, limpets and barnacles.
Ten years in the making
Founded ten years ago by Nigel George, Ian Boyd (pictured left) and Dave Badman (pictured centre), the organisation have been recognised around the world for their environmental efforts, not least for their work to help protect those intertidal habitats that are being lost due to global warming.
Nigel explains,
“The original idea that sparked Artecology into existence can be attributed to the brilliant mind of Ian Boyd, while it was the exceptional engineering prowess of Dave Badman that brought our first Vertipool to life.
“When Ian initially introduced the concept of creating vertical wildlife habitats on sea defences as a response to rising sea levels, I envisioned its potential and what it could become.
“However, it was the combined skills and knowledge of Ian, Dave, and myself that materialised this vision.”
The next ten years have been filled with securing funding and seeking deployment permissions. There’s been assistance with installations, rigorous data collection and submitting academic papers.
Nigel explained that many more individuals have played pivotal roles in propelling their eco-engineering journey forward with specialists from various disciplines contributing to the project’s success.
He added,
“Our exploration is far from complete. As we enter our second decade and we continue to merge our expertise in art and craft and ecology, we realise that we have barely scratched the surface of what is possible.
“So, keep an eye on our progress, as there are many exciting developments yet to come!”
It’s fantastic to see this inspiring group of Islanders getting the national media recognition they deserve. May there be many more like this.
Read The Guardian article in full.
Find out more
To find out more about Artecology, see News OnTheWight’s Artecology archive, or visit the Artecology Website.
Image: © Julian Winslow
