Background
The London Borough of Waltham Forest commissioned us to provide landscape design and drainage services for three flood alleviation schemes in South Chingford which recently won the Winter Service and Climate Resilience Award at the Highways Awards.
The scheme not only addressed the surface water flooding issue, but it also contributed to several United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include:
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
- SDG 4 (quality Education)
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and communities)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 15 (Life on Land)
Process
Our multidisciplinary team helped the Council to:
- Identify and evaluate the most opportune means to deliver flood alleviation measures within the site areas
- Propose drainage solutions to increase flood storage volume and mitigate flooding impacts to the local area
- Transform the previously under used parkland and lawn areas into a natural wetland feature
- Enhance biodiversity in the surrounding environment
- Deliver improved amenity benefit to local communities
Impact
The alleviation schemes in Memorial Park and Larkswood Park provide a combined flood attenuation of over 5000m3. The Rolls Sports Ground’s scheme involved the extension of an existing flood wall alongside a stream. By combining this extension with the creation of two basins, we provided additional storage of approximately 5500m3.Â
The landscape and drainage teams worked together to create an innovative wetland that benefited the local community and wildlife. The project succeeded in mitigating flooding impacts on people and properties, enhancing biodiversity, and encouraging social activities around the area.
It also showed a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practices by keeping the local community engaged throughout the design process.
Our team also organised a special community planting day, which brought together residents and families from diverse backgrounds, promoting a sense of ownership and community involvement.