WALTHAM FOREST RAIN GARDENS: MANAGING FLOODING IN OUR TOWNS AND CITIES

One area that can be badly affected by flooding is the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Following extreme weather in the past years, in which a month’s worth of rain fell in a few hours causing flash flooding, Meristem have been working with Waltham Forest Council, Thames Water, the Department for Education and local residents to develop a scheme that will help to reduce risk in flood-prone areas and so protect local homes, schools and businesses.

One of the main causes of urban flooding is the use of many non-permeable materials for roads and pavements. Nonpermeable materials prevent water from draining naturally through the ground. To manage this we have developed sustainable drainage systems that redirect rain water, through rain gardens, into sewers. Rain gardens modify surface water flow to more natural rates, reducing the impact of urban flooding by allowing vegetation and plants to absorb the majority of the rainwater.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest was successful in securing funding from TfL as part of its Liveable Neighbourhoods programme. Their aim was to enhance the borough and make it easier and safer for people to get around on foot, by bike or by public transport. More than 5,000 homes in the area, as well as schools and more than 100 businesses, are set to benefit from the programme.

Our first SuDS scheme in Waltham Forest was installed back in October 2021 with a total of 22 rain gardens planted over a combined area of over 280 square metres. This was the first phase of many across the borough, aiding in the reduction of flooding. As of now, we have successfully installed 63 rain gardens in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, bringing the combined coverage to more than 1,300 square metres.

l The Coppermill scheme l The BLEN green link in Leytonstone l The Markhouse scheme l Forest Road rain gardens: 600 square metres of rain gardens between Tottenham Hale and Black Horse Road stations

Alongside the SuDs, new bike paths were added, creating a safe route for commuters and those accessing the canals from the Haringey area. A variety of flowering species from Verbena to Crocosmia were planted, as well as herbs and many different species of trees.

Local residents and schools helped with the planting, and learned about the species planted and the importance the rain gardens can bring to their local area. The borough is also working closely with the residents to assign gardening ‘stewards' to care for the gardens in the future.

The schemes’ main benefits have been to target and improve both roads and homes that are known to flood. Rain gardens are also used as wildlife corridors, biodiversity boosters, barriers to cars and other vehicular traffic outside schools, to soften traffic noise and to slow traffic.

Meristem are delighted that our Coppermill Community Rain Gardens were recognised by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (Ciria), who specialise in SuDS, and that our rain gardens across the UK picked up a Global Energy Award.