The rain meadow in Dean Gardens is in full bloom! The work is part of improvements to the park that acts both to increase local bio-diversity and mitigate the effects of climate change from increased heavy rainfall. The rain garden in on the north side of the park bordering Uxbridge Road. Location information can be found here at GoParks.
Sustainable Drainage
Underground pipes have been laid to collect and carry rainwater away from Uxbridge Road and down into large storage blocks under the area of the park. The blocks act like giant sponges soaking up water and slowly releasing it into the rain drainage sewers over several hours or days. This helps free up capacity in the drainage sewers and reduces the risk of flash flooding on local roads. Details of the construction can be seen in the photo below.
More projects like this are underway around Ealing, including a similar but larger scale works in in Lammas Park Northfields.
Rain Garden
This is an area of low, dished ground that collects rain water in winter months, but which dries out in summer, planted as a wildlife friendly meadow of native plants and nectar rich flowers. The rain garden provides a home for butterflies, bees, birds and amphibians. Shallow waters provides a place for thirsty animals and insects, and a safe bathing place for birds. The following flora and fauna are just some of the plants and animals expected to make the space their home.
1. Yellow Iris, 2. Ox-Eye Daisy, 3. Purple Loosetrife and 4. Kingcup (Marsh Marigold), 5. Dragonfly, 6. Butterfly, 7. Sparrow, and 8. Common Frog.
Now that the work is finished, the rain garden is bursting with life! Although the works are part of a ongoing pledge by Ealing Council (see here), volunteers are also needed to maintain the green space. You can find information about weekly volunteering opportunities at DoSomethingGood here. Sessions are run by Cultivate London.
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