What are Rain Gardens?
Urban areas aren’t always well-equipped for heavy rain. Water easily runs over concrete and other impermeable surfaces, pouring into the drainage system and
sometimes overloading it. Rainwater gardens play an important part in greening our urban and suburban environments, they contribute to storm water mitigation
which helps to reduce garden flooding, provide a source of habitats for wildlife and improve water quality.
Rainwater gardens are shallow depressions, planted with flowers and vegetation, which are designed to absorb surface runoff. They capture water, slowing the rate at
which it enters the drainage system, significantly reducing the risk of flooding. As surface water runs over impermeable surfaces, it picks up pollutants like oil and
fertilisers, washing them into our waterways, but rain gardens help to purify storm water before it enters they ground or watercourses.
Rain Garden at Danbury
Where has ECC built Rain Gardens?
Essex County Council has partnered with:
- Castle Point District council to build rain gardens on Springfield Road and Park Avenue, Canvey Island,
- Basildon Borough Council to build rain gardens on Tyrrells Road, Billericay,