In June 2002 the first prototype hexagonal "floating island" raft was built, launched, planted and anchored on the upper lake. These pictures record the event.

Please note that the images shown on this page are not of high enough resolution for satisfactory printing. Clicking on each image will give a large one (800 by 600 pixels) that will print reasonably well. Anyone wanting a better one (1024 by 768 pixels) can email me.
hexagonal raft upside-down Prototype hexagonal raft, upside-down on the workshop floor
As above hex raft upside-down
raft on truck The raft on Jim Hunter's truck for transprtation to the Sanctuary
The raft where it was left, awaiting onward transport to the top of the upper dam, leaning against the new toilet block raft at loos
Ready to start the trek down by the dam wall to the lake below Ready to start the trek down by the dam wall to the lake below
Half-way down to the lake; Steady as she goes! half-way down
Nearly there! Nearly there!
A last opportunity of photographing the anchor, hand-crafted by Trevor in a plastic bucket anchor
launched It floats!
Buckets of soil were carried down from the top of the dam to provide the growing medium for the plants on the "island" filling with soil
adding rocks and logs Small rocks and logs were placed on the top of the soil to roughen up the appearance of the "island"
Sedges - Carex secta and Carex virgata - were planted on the "island" and grass seed - mainly rye - was sown planting the island
towed to location Planted and sown, the "island" was towed to its mooring place
Once in place, the "island" was anchored and left to settle - hopefully still with some free-board anchored and left in place