Stroud and Tewkesbury
Waterscapes Nature based solutions to urban flooding
Natural water cycle
© ACO
Rain water soaks into the natural environment like a sponge. Plants, trees and soils with high organic content intercept, hold and release water slowly via underground flow into watercourses.
Urban water cycle
© ACO
In urban areas, water can't soak through hard, impermeable surfaces such as roads, pavements and buildings so it runs off instead, also known as ‘run-off’. It builds up on surfaces or enters watercourses too quickly causing flash flooding which can be detrimental.
When it rains, it pours. When it pours…it floods! With flooding and pollution likely to increase with climate change, more frequent and heavy rainfall will occur. This can cause flash flooding, with polluted water ending up in waterways.
The aims of Waterscapes Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is being supported by RSA Insurance, an Intact company, to help implement Nature Based Solutions to help reduce flooding across Stroud and Tewkesbury. Within this project NFM methods and SuDS will be used to slow the flow of water in Stroud and Tewkesbury. Together we’ll show people how they can play their part in reducing the impact of flooding where they live, boosting biodiversity and protecting wildlife and natural habitats along the way.
Sustainable Drainage Systems Also known as ‘SuDS’, these methods help slow the flow of water run-off by mimicking natural water catchments and creating areas that intercept the run-off. SuDS can use, store and soak up water while increasing biodiversity. These methods include anything from a water butt to large swales that store and slowly release high volumes of water.
Water butts
Swales
Leaky dams
Like SuD Managemen based solution but instead w level to reduc SuDS target reduce surf
© Clear Channel
Green roofs
Rain gardens
Permeable paving Before
© BREC
DS, Natural Flood nt (NFM) is a naturen to mitigate flood risk, works at catchmentce water downstream. t local, urban areas to face water flooding.
De-paving
After
Find out more: Working with communities and businesses in Stroud and Tewkesbury, over the next two years we aim to demonstrate: Showcasing rain gardens. De-paving parking areas. Greening a roadside verge. Working with people and their communities with workshops and events.
Scan to learn more and get in touch! gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/waterscapes Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Road, Gloucester, GL4 6SX. Tel : 01452 383333 www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Registered Charity Number 232580