Weather Wise Gardens
Simple changes you can make to your home to improve flood resilience including Property Flood Resilience Grants
A well-planned garden can help reduce the impacts of extreme weather while helping nature thrive. Discover 12 features of a happy garden in our leaflet below, as well as some basic installation and shopping guidance.
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5 top small changes to slow the flow of surface water around your home and reduce flood risk. These measures also help conserve water in the environment, reduce runoff pollution, support biodiversity, and enhance aesthetics:
- Install a water butt - Essex County Council offers a 50% subsidy to Essex residents through GetComposting
- Redirect downspouts to flower beds, sustainable drainage planters, or vegetated storage basins - Many suppliers sell Sustainable drainage planters. Visit Groundwork for step-by-step guidance.
- Build a rain garden - read our guidebook above, or visit RHS and Transition Town for step-by-step guidance
- Increase permeability of hard surfaces - for example, by using stepping stones or replacing tarmac with grass block pavers
The video below outlines simple home modifications to reduce surface water flooding:
Flooding can sometimes be unavoidable, so being prepared is crucial. ECC provides guidance on how to prepare your home for a flood. Additionally, you can consult the Essex Resilience Flood Forum website for more information. ECC provides guidance on how to prepare your home for a flood. Additionally, you can consult the Essex Resilience Flood Forum