A new environmentally-friendly floating wetland has been introduced to Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park, following a programme of wildlife habitat improvements in the Royal Parks.

Ecologists and landscapers have been working with Salix Bio Engineers in order to introduce the 200sq m (2,150sq ft) island, which will help to naturally clean the lake’s water by creating an area where good bacteria can thrive.

The BioHaven floating island will also seek to aid erosion control and create new nesting areas for water birds, habitat and food for fish.

The new feature at the lake has been created from recycled plastic materials, including plastic bottles, while also being planted using native aquatic plants.

“Across all eight Royal Parks, improving water quality of our lakes is an ongoing priority to protect the wildlife that make it their home,” said Julia Clark, head of ecology at The Royal Parks.

“Reducing pollutants in the water caused by rotting bread and other toxins is no easy feat, however these floating islands in the Serpentine will help improve the water quality in a chemical free way and provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife including insects, waterfowl and amphibians.”

The introduction of the island comes as another Serpentine feature looks to question ecological principles, with a new Serpentine Galleries Pavilion being created for this summer’s season.

The structure has been designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radic who has gained ideas from an Oscar Wilde short story.