Merton Rain Gardens

Meristem Design collaborated with Merton Council to develop rain gardens as part of a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) initiative, addressing flood management and enhancing local biodiversity. 

The project aimed to reduce surface water runoff, alleviate flood risk, and create green infrastructure that supports community resilience.

The rain gardens consist of various native plants and absorbent materials designed to capture and filter stormwater, preventing it from overwhelming urban drainage systems.

The Merton Rain Gardens are located on:

• Wimbledon Hill
• Wimbledon Chase
• The Path, South Wimbledon
• Eastfields, Mitcham
• Raynes Park
• Madeira Road

The rain gardens are an attractive way of reducing surface water by allowing vegetation and plants to retain the majority of the rainfall and increase the lag time of infiltration, while also remediating and filtering pollutants in surface runoff. 

These rain gardens are carefully situated to intercept water flow, reducing the load on Merton’s  main drainage systems. The plants were selected for resilience and drought tolerance, ensuring longevity and low maintenance. 

Merton’s rain gardens not only mitigate flood risk but also enrich the urban landscape by providing essential habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. By promoting green infrastructure, this project supports a model of sustainable urban development, creating resilient and attractive public spaces. The rain gardens serve as an educational tool, showing residents the benefits of environmental adaptation in their community.