Three new islands have been created for wetland and wading birds out of the ash surplus from nearby South Ferriby CEMEX cement plant.

It is hoped that over 5000 birds will enjoy the moonscape-like surface of the small, but perfectly formed islands.

The islands have been created in the alkaline lake on land adjoining the cement plant using ash from the cement making process. This environment is very sterile and does not allow much vegetation to grow, perfect for wading birds such as Dunlin and Redshank to roost on and little ringed plovers to nest on. And predators have nowhere to hide!

The location of the 10 metre by 30 metre islands means that the birds are sheltered from North Westerly winds and provide a safe haven when there is bad weather or high tides on the Humber. The cement works is next to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of birds) Reads Island reserve which offers a home to up to 50,000 wetland birds. These birds will find the nearby islands also provide a safe roosting area that is relatively undisturbed when the weather is bad.