Coppermill Community Rain Gardens

The Coppermill Community Rain Gardens in Waltham Forest represent a large-scale SuDS programme that transforms streets into green, functional infrastructure. With the first rain gardens installed in 2021, the scheme has grown into a network of 22 rain gardens covering over 280m², helping to manage surface water while bringing nature directly into residential streets.

Delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, the project combines flood mitigation with urban greening and community engagement. Located along key routes connecting to Walthamstow Wetlands, the rain gardens form part of a wider strategy to improve air quality, encourage sustainable travel and create healthier neighbourhoods.

To reduce flood risk and improve urban resilience through a connected network of rain gardens, while enhancing biodiversity, air quality and community wellbeing.

The project includes the design and delivery of a borough-wide network of rain gardens, tree pits and planted SuDS features. It involved detailed site analysis, coordination with highways and transport teams, and multiple phases of installation across the Coppermill area. Community engagement and planting formed a key part of the delivery, alongside ongoing stewardship initiatives.

The Coppermill scheme uses nature-based drainage to manage rainwater where it falls. By combining planting, soil systems and carefully designed layouts, the rain gardens slow, store and filter runoff from surrounding streets – reducing pressure on drainage systems while creating attractive, usable green spaces.

The Coppermill rain gardens demonstrate how SuDS can go beyond drainage – delivering environmental, social and health benefits at a neighbourhood scale.