3D tiles have been installed in Falmouth and are used across Cornwall to transform surfaces from flat to rocky - in order to boost marine life.

The relatively new concept in the UK converts harbour walls into homes for sea creatures. 

Over 150 textured hexagonal tiles have been introduced in Falmouth, Plymouth, and Mevagissey, with plans to expand to Newquay, Padstow and Port Isaac.

These tiles are attached to flat, manmade structures such as harbours, piers and sea defences.

This design intervention plans to enhance the habitat of the local marine flora and fauna.

Tina Robinson, the founder of Cornish environmental charity Our Only World, said: "Already, harbour walls are turning into a carpet of green."

Curiously inspired by the Australian project Living Sea Walls, studies have noted that such walls can support up to 36 per cent more species than their unmodified counterparts after just one year.

According to their research, at least 85 different species, from invertebrates and seaweeds to fish, find their abode on these panels.

Falmouth Packet:

Emphasising the design elements, Ms Robinson said: "These tiles, with all their little nooks and crannies, indentations and increased surface area, create a rocky pool environment.

"The idea is to kickstart the bottom of the food chain: from seaweeds, sea snails, cushion stars, anemones, sea squirts, periwinkles and limpets."

With an eye on sustainability, local tile suppliers play their part.

Suppliers such as Arc Marine in Truro use recycled waste products from local granite and quarrying industries to produce these tiles.

Falmouth Packet:

Ms Robinson added: "There's no reason why we couldn’t put them all over the UK, and really make a difference".

She and her husband Mark started Our Only World back in 2018, inspired to safeguard the marine environment for future generations.

This initiative broke ground when 30 tiles were installed at Falmouth Harbour, showing promise.

Vicki Spooner, Falmouth Harbour's environment manager, said: "This is such an exciting project as we thoroughly expect the sea wall to go from a fairly barren expanse to a complex area hosting a greater variety of species."

For more details on this unique initiative, reach out to ouronlyworld@outlook.com.