Digging deeper

Putting the spotlight on the biggest issues in gardening today

- PETRA HOYER MILLAR

Rain gardens to play a key role as flood risks rise

Rainfall in the UK is increasing, in frequency and intensity, resulting in longer dry spells followed by more intense rainfall, with significant variation in local areas. The sudden deluges overwhelm drainage systems, leading to surface water flooding. Research from the University of Bristol warns that flood risk in the UK has been increasing by 1.4 per cent each year since 1990.

In 2024, flood reinsurance scheme Flood Re estimated that the £2.9 million UK gardeners spend annually on their gardens is at risk of being washed away. However, gardens have a role to play and can function as an effective flood-prevention tool, as Dr Ed Barsley, founder of The Environmental Design Studio, explains: “The majority of people aren’t aware that their garden or home is at risk of flooding until it’s too late. However, there are practical and cost-effective measures that garden owners can take to save stress further down the line.”

Managing surface water by means of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) is a hot topic in landscape design and planning. Designed to mimic natural drainage, SuDS ensure that surface water is channelled away through more sustainable water courses such as soakaways, swales, green/blue roofs and rain gardens. In doing so, they improve water quality, increase biodiversity and provide vital habitats for wildlife.