The project aimed to transform an identified surface water catchment area into a functional rain garden that helps to reduce local flood risk while introducing high-quality planting to the streetscape. Alongside supporting the council’s sustainability strategy, the scheme contributes to biodiversity, climate resilience and a greener public realm.

Located along York Road in Barnet, the rain occupies approximately 18.6m² and serves a 307m² contributing catchment area to provide an estimated 3.4m³ of surface water storage. The engineered rain garden is divided into three connected planting cells with concrete check dams designed to slow water flow, encourage sediment settlement and regulate the movement of water through the system. The planting scheme consisted of 118 drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly planting across the three sections.

Working alongside the engineered SuDS infrastructure, we developed a planting scheme that enhances the performance and appearance of the York Road rain garden throughout the seasons. A carefully selected mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses and shrubs provides year-round interest while supporting biodiversity and building a more vibrant streetscape.

The completed rain garden demonstrates how SuDS can successfully combine flood management with attractive landscape design, By introducing diverse planting into a previously hard streetscape, the scheme creates environmental benefits while enhancing the character of York Road.