The Failed Tidal Project That Became a Bird Paradise | Nottingham News

Off the coast of Lincolnshire, a failed £30 million tidal barrage project birthed an unexpected wildlife haven—the “Doughnut” Outer Trial Bank. Built in 1974 to store freshwater and harness tidal power, it ended up brimming with salt thanks to its estuary location and limestone-protected dredged sand. The plan collapsed as too costly and ineffective, but nature stepped in: seabirds like Lesser Black-Backed Gulls and Terns now thrive there. Meanwhile, its sibling island, the Inner Trial Bank, is nearly swallowed by salt marsh—proof that even abandoned engineering dreams can become ecological gems. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1ebf2c48b50dff78