This week, we believe Artecology became the first Eco-engineering organisation in the world to install a ‘constructed habitat unit’ with only magnets as the fixing mechanism. Using 1.2T (Tesla) super magnets, with a combined pulling force of 130kg, our team deployed a basic model MudFlats™️ water/soft sediment holding unit at our estuary test site in the Isle of Wight World Biosphere Reserve. The installation went without a hitch and our in-house installers reported that it was the easiest deployment of a constructed habitat unit they’d ever done!!
A basic Mudflats unit held in place with super magnets by UK specialists Goudsmit.
Artecology Director Nigel George said - “Making retrofit wildlife habitat installations as easy, and therefore cost-effective, to install as possible is crucial if we want developers and civil engineers to really get behind the concept of ecological engineering. Steel sheet pile is a common engineered structure that is used a great deal in urban developments in both marine and terrestrial settings, having a safe, easy, and quick installation method for constructed wildlife habitats on sheet pile really does mean that there’s no excuse for developers not to do it now! Magnetic installation has its limitations for sure, but in the right setting, it will open the door to a world of new urban habitat creation that was previously out of reach to us. With the help of magnet engineering specialists Goudsmit UK we’re developing methods of installation that are completely non-invasive; no drilling, no welding, no cutting, just sheer magnetism!”
A typical MudFlats array on steel sheet pile.
A rock pool version of our MudFlats unit showing enhanced surface complexity.