Lambeth Rain Gardens

Lambeth Council launched an ambitious Kerbside Strategy, aiming to repurpose spaces to diminish air pollution and boost public health. In collaboration with the Borough of Lambeth, we completed 34 rain gardens spanning a collective area of over 300m2, strategically dispersed across nine distinct locales. 

Lambeth Council’s Kerbside strategy reimagines the kerbside to enable accessible and active travel, enhance air quality, create social spaces, and reduce carbon emissions.

34 rain gardens covering over 300m2 across nine locations filled with thousands of plants and grasses. Some of the locations include low-level planters and cycle hoops, additionally we’ve planted 27 trees.

Our design philosophy embraced both resilience and beauty. We’ve infused the gardens with thousands of robust, radiant species known for their drought resistance, including Verbenas, Salvias, and a diverse array of grasses. Additionally, we’ve planted 27 trees, such as the elegant Ginkgos, Amelanchier, and Hornbeam. These trees not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also promise to shade and cool the streets, offering a natural solution to the increasing urban heat.

Planters were installed at some locations for local residents to plant allotment-style fruits and vegetables and benches for people to stop and rest on. Cycle hoops have also been installed to encourage a greener way of getting around the ever-evolving Borough. 

Lambeth’s streets, like many urban areas, face the dual challenges of managing excess rainwater and creating green spaces. Rain Gardens address both these issues. They not only provide a sustainable drainage solution but also introduce green pockets into the urban landscape, enhancing aesthetics and biodiversity. By integrating these gardens, we’re not just managing water; we’re transforming urban spaces into eco-friendly habitats, promoting biodiversity, and making Lambeth a greener, more sustainable borough.

Lambeth’s kerbside strategy is a visionary approach to rethinking urban spaces. With a commitment to allocate 25% of kerbside funding to support climate resilience, the strategy is a bold step towards a greener future. These new green pockets not only add to the aesthetic appeal of streets, but also have a number of biophilic design benefits.

By integrating plants and natural elements into urban spaces, Rain Garden SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System) offer a range of benefits: