Rain Gardens in Residential Spaces for Upper Walthamstow Road
Client
Waltham Forest Council
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
As part of our ongoing partnership with Waltham Forest Council, Meristem designed and delivered a series of rain gardens to support the borough’s commitment to creating additional green spaces, supporting active travel and residential spaces. This project acts as part of the council’s wider regeneration scheme and pledge to improve the surrounding areas along the 230 bus route.
Goal
The primary goal of the project was to enhance a residential space by integrating rain gardens that deliver visible environmental and social benefits. The scheme aimed to support Waltham Forest Council’s wider regeneration by increasing green infrastructure, improving streetscapes for active travel, and enhancing nearby residential areas. A further objective was to demonstrate how integrating simple yet practical design into residential areas can enhance people’s everyday experience of their streets.
Scope
The project delivered six rain gardens along Upper Walthamstow Road, converting large areas of hard paving into green infrastructure. Four gardens were planted by Meristem, with two delivered in collaboration with the local community. In total, the rain gardens cover approximately 185 m².
Solutions
The scheme focused on delivering practical rain gardens tailored to the landscape while providing long-term environmental and social value. Each rain garden was designed to be functional and add aesthetic value within a residential setting and support the council’s wider regeneration objectives. Residents also got involved by designing and planting two of the rain gardens that included bug hotels and signage.
Strategic Placement
Rain gardens were carefully located along Upper Walthamstow Road to intercept surface water runoff while maximising visibility and impact within the residential space.
Resilient Planting
A hardy and diverse planting scheme was selected to thrive in all seasons, enhance biodiversity, and provide year-round visual interest.
Community Involvement
Two rain gardens were designed and planted by local residents, fostering a sense of ownership and strengthening connections between the community and the new green spaces.
Climate Resilience
The rain gardens were designed to manage excess rainfall naturally, helping reduce surface water flooding while contributing to a greener streetscape.
Impact
The completed rain gardens have delivered environmental improvements while enhancing the quality and experience of the roadside along Upper Walthamstow Road. The project demonstrates how we can make better, greener use of underused grey, hard spaces.
Increased Greenery
185 m² of rain gardens replaced hard paving, adding green to the street environment and improving visual value.
Surface Water Management
The rain gardens capture and slow runoff, reducing pressure on local drainage systems during heavy rainfall.
Increased Biodiversity
Diverse planting has created new habitat opportunities for pollinators and urban wildlife while contributing the cleaner air.
Community Benefits
Community-led planting strengthened local engagement and helped build long-term care for the new spaces.
Before
After
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Featured products & services
Fabrication
We provide high-quality, in-house fabrication services tailored to the needs of urban greening projects. Composed of skilled welders and carpenters, our fabrication team brings each project from concept to completion using precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Maintenance
We offer a full range of maintenance services to keep your green space looking healthy and vibrant. Tailored to the unique needs of your project, our horticultural team will provide specialised plant care and maintenance from a one-off basis to a customised schedule.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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