Our community scale rain garden project
In 2024, working with the commuity of Great Bedwyn we installed a mix of rain gardens, rain water planters and water butts across the village of Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire. We diverted rain from over 3,000m2 of roof an took it to a rain garden, rain planter or water butt instead of the drainage and sewer network.
What is a rain garden?
A rain garden is a a shallow area of ground which receives rain run-off from roofs and other hard surfaces. It contains plants that can withstand temporary water-logging as well as dry spells. Rain gardens can absorb up to 30% more water than a lawn and are an effective way to manage rain, instead of using the sewer system.
Why does it matter?
Great Bedwyn has a history of flooding and untreated sewage overflows from treatment works and sewers. Storm events inundate the area around the doctor's surgery, the village hall and the railway station. Many private households have been hit by a combination of stormwater and sewage entering their homes. This project set out to help that situation by offering a bespoke rain garden, rainwater planter or water butt to anyone who chose to take part as well as Great Bedwyn Primary School, the Doctors' Surgery and the Village Hall.
