Hillingdon Council builds flood-protecting rain gardens in Hayes

Friday 10 June 2022: Two estates in Hayes will be undergoing environmentally-friendly facelifts to make them kinder to wildlife and future-proof them against climate change.

Work to complete new rain gardens in Hayes
Hillingdon Council has partnered with environmental charity Groundwork to build rain gardens at Wilkins Close and Gurney House, with work on the schemes already underway.

The rain gardens are landscaped areas that will collect rainwater, allowing it to pool and then soak into the ground slowly before reaching the drainage system.

These planted features will help reduce the risk of local flash flooding by providing a permeable surface to collect surface water and reducing run off to the local sewer system. They will also help remove pollutants that wash off nearby roads.

The greenery will also benefit local wildlife such as birds and insects and provide a welcome boost to local biodiversity.

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "We're delighted to work with Groundwork London as part of our commitment to keeping the borough green and pleasant, while addressing climate change.

"With extreme weather events predicted to increase, these rain gardens will help reduce localised flash-flooding but also provide vital greenery and a space for wildlife.

"These schemes complement our award-winning rain gardens in Eastcote and highlight our continued efforts to create and improve green and open spaces across the borough."

Work on the two news schemes is expected to be completed later this month (June 2022).

Page last updated: 15 Feb 2024