Whitby Harbour, North Yorkshire, UK

A series of Shelter Shells was installed within Whitby Harbour as part of a wider programme commissioned by Groundwork North East & Cumbria to enhance habitat within a heavily modified estuarine environment. The Shelter Shells were installed alongside Vertipools and other habitat features from Artecology, creating a diverse range of artificial refuges, textured surfaces and ecological niches around the working harbour.

Installation was undertaken with support from Swiftwater Solutions. By combining complementary ecoengineering interventions above and below the waterline, the project explores how hard-edged harbour infrastructure can support greater habitat complexity and a richer range of marine life.