Climate change means that Lambeth is increasingly at risk of surface water flooding as extreme rain events become more severe and frequent. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) provide a solution to protect homes and neighbourhoods while also enhancing biodiversity.

Construction has resumed on a major sustainable drainage scheme on St Matthews Estate. The Brixton-based scheme will include new channels and planting to improve drainage, as well as a nature trail to weave through the new biodiversity areas.

Norwood Park is also under construction. A new permeable pathway is being installed alongside the sports courts (pictured). Planted swales (long dug-out channels) are also being installed to direct water towards timber leaky dams to slow water flow across the park. The new features will allow us to add more biodiverse planting, helping pollinators.

Read more on Lambeth Council’s Soak Up Lambeth initiative and Norwood Park here.