Background
The London Borough of Waltham Forest commissioned us to provide landscape design and drainage services for three flood alleviation schemes in South Chingford. The area was often affected by severe flooding episodes, causing damage to the environment, and leaving it unused by the community.
Our team’s goal was to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall on the surrounding area, protecting the environment while benefiting the community. Through modelling software and complex designs, we transformed the previously under-used parkland and lawn areas into a natural wetland feature.
Our scheme proposal responded to the Council’s goal to create climate resilient spaces as well as the community’s need to increase amenities around the area. The finished project also contributed to several United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- 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)
For its impact on biodiversity increase, climate resilience, community engagement and well-being, our scheme won the Winter Service and Climate Resilience Award at the Highways Awards.
Process
Our multidisciplinary team helped the Council to:
- Conduct initial assessments through the TUFLOW hydraulic modelling software, to identify the flooding levels in South Chingford
- Propose sustainable drainage solutions to increase flood storage volume and mitigate flooding impacts to the local area
- Design a sustainable and attractive natural wetland feature, enhancing biodiversity as well as contributing to cleaning water and air
- Deliver improved and more attractive amenities for local communities, including seating areas, planting palettes and wayfinding
Impacts on flood risks
The innovation of this scheme lays in connecting three flood attenuation ponds withinn the surrounding areas of South Chingford. These were identified by flood modelling software and implemented in key locations, such as Memorial Park, Larkswood Park and the Rools Sports Ground.
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.
Our landscape and drainage teams succeeded in creating a new climate resilient space in Waltham Forest, mitigating flooding impacts on people and properties, enhancing biodiversity, and encouraging social activities around the area.
The scheme also showed a strong commitment to social value by keeping the local community engaged throughout the design process. Throughout the project, we also organised a special community planting day. This brought together residents and families from diverse backgrounds, promoting a sense of ownership and community involvement. Â
