Case studies

Wadley Road Rain Gardens

Delivering Local Flood Resilience: Wadley Road Rain Gardens

Wadley Road in the London Borough of Waltham Forest sits along the Fillebrook River course at the bottom of a local catchment. This topography makes the area particularly vulnerable to flooding during intense rainfall. In July 2021, the street was severely affected by surface water flooding, with some residents unable to remain in their homes for a considerable period.

Following the extreme flooding that hit Waltham Forest in summer 2021, Meristem Design worked with Waltham Forest Council to deliver a flood resilience scheme on Wadley Road. By delivering SuDS, the project has transformed the entire road, both above and below ground, into a climate-resilient system. By combining rain gardens, permeable paving, and rainwater storage, Wadley Road now reduces pressure on the sewer network during heavy rainfall while also creating new green space, biodiversity, and community wellbeing benefits.

The flood mitigation project involved the installation of five new rain gardens along Wadley Road. Including the construction of permeable surfacing to allow water infiltration, creation of underground water attenuation to store stormwater and release it gradually plus a vibrant planting design to boost biodiversity, ecology, and seasonal interest. A reduction of parking spaces was needed to enable the SuDS scheme alongside community engagement to build awareness, trust and long-term resilience.

The Wadley Road scheme combines a series of Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) measures to reduce flood risk and enhance the street environment. Five rain gardens were installed along the road, planted with resilient species to manage rainfall and boost biodiversity. The carriageway was resurfaced with permeable paving to allow water to filter through, while a stone-filled attenuation layer beneath stores excess stormwater and releases it gradually back into the sewer system. Together, these interventions transform Wadley Road into a climate-resilient street that protects homes, supports ecology, and improves local amenity.

Rain Gardens

Five rain gardens of varying sizes (ranging from 6m to 13.5m long) were installed outside residential properties along the street. These are planted to create attractive and biodiverse systems that manage rainfall naturally.

Water Attenuation

A layer beneath the road now stores stormwater during heavy rainfall. Water is released back into the sewer network gradually, as capacity becomes available, reducing the risk of sewer overflow.

Resilient Planting

Each rain garden features a planting palette chosen for drought tolerance and the ability to withstand flooding. This ensures long-term resilience, enhances biodiversity, and provides seasonal structure and colour.

Community Engagement

Alongside the physical interventions, the project addressed local residents’ concerns and experiences of flooding. Engagement was key to overcoming challenges and building trust, as the scheme required changes such as reduced parking.

The Wadley Road Rain Gardens have transformed a flood-prone street into a resilient, biodiverse space that protects homes from future storm events. By combining SuDS features, resilient planting, and underground water storage, the scheme reduces pressure on the sewer network and mitigates flood risk. Beyond flood resilience, the project enhances biodiversity, improves local amenity, and supports residents’ wellbeing. Crucially, it also strengthened community awareness and preparedness, addressing both the physical and emotional impacts of past flooding while removing some vehicles from the road.

Flood Resilience

The scheme significantly reduces the volume of stormwater entering the sewer network, lowering the likelihood of flooding to nearby homes and businesses.

Biodiversity and Ecology

New planting and green infrastructure provide habitats for wildlife, improving local biodiversity and ecology.

Amenity and Wellbeing

Wadley Road is now greener and more welcoming, offering residents the mental health and wellbeing benefits of living alongside nature.

Community Awareness

Through the project, local residents gained greater awareness of flooding risks and resilience strategies, helping to build long-term community preparedness.

Client

Waltham Forest Council

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Wadley Road Rain Gardens

Rain Gardens

Water Attenuation

Resilient Planting

Community Engagement

Flood Resilience

Biodiversity and Ecology

Amenity and Wellbeing

Community Awareness

Featured products, landscapes & services

Rain Gardens

Maintenance

Design

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