• Norwood Forum

Less Flooding, More Nature – an update on the drainage scheme in Norwood Park

"It has certainly been a very exciting year with the SuDS, our frog pond finally makes sense and is naturalising nicely.”  Lorien, Friends of Norwood Park
In June last year, Forum Committee members met with the Lambeth Council Flood Risk and Climate Adaptation Manager, Matthew Panou, to discuss the SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Scheme) in Norwood Park.
Matthew reports that all the landscaping work and earthmoving is now complete. Most areas are fenced off to give the soil a chance to recover and for the wildflower seeding to take hold. It may be necessary though to keep the fencing up longer for a spring reseed.
The new pond is full, and there is water flowing into it from the new swale (aka a ditch.) “Very exciting!” he says. “Something not seen in Norwood Park for 100+ years!” 
The central area is all complete, with a piped/bridge section by the picnic benches to improve accessibility. And Matthew adds that the new features appear drier than expected, the fields less waterlogged, which suggests the underground pipes are more effective than anticipated.
There is a plan to introduce woody debris to all the swales in the park to encourage water to soak into the ground, while providing more diverse habitat.
The Friends of Norwood Park were amazed by the soil brought in. They had a vast plantation of tomatoes appear, several watermelons and more exotic species like chia and Chinese lanterns. “We await with anticipation for what next spring may bring!”
They are less impressed with the repair work. Paths remain broken and dangerous. They are hoping these will still be rectified, and await the promised bluebell wood and some planting alongside the seeding. They anticipate 45 established trees arriving in January and several hundred whips.
With the playground hugely popular, upcoming bulb and shrub planting, and new café owners coming, Lorien says “Our park will be more beautiful for the pollinators and the community than ever.”