What are Rain Gardens?
Urban areas aren’t always well-equipped for periods of heavy rain fall. Excess rain water runs over concrete surfaces into sewers, if overloaded this results in flooding. Rainwater gardens are shallow depressions in the ground, planted with flowers and vegetation, and help absorb excess surface water runoff. They capture water and slow 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 gardens also play an important part in greening our urban environments and providing habitats for wildlife.
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,