Rain gardens built in Swansea to reduce flooding
One of the largest schemes is outside St Helen’s Primary School, where trees, shrubs and a purpose-built rain garden are being introduced to help ease standing water after heavy rainfall
Schoolchildren and residents in Swansea are set to benefit from new rain gardens and upgraded walkways designed to improve access and reduce flooding in the community- according to Swansea Council.
One of the largest schemes is outside St Helen’s Primary School, where trees, shrubs and a purpose-built rain garden are being introduced to help ease standing water after heavy rainfall.
The work also includes new paving and dropped kerbs, making it easier for children and families to travel to and from school on foot, by bike or scooter.
Rain gardens capture water running off streets and pavements, helping to reduce the risk of flooding while filtering pollution before it reaches rivers and streams.
They also provide habitats for pollinators and seasonal greenery for local streets.
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said:
"The funding we have secured for walking and cycling, in the main, is used to create new routes that connect communities, enabling people to travel in a more sustainable way.
"Some of this year's settlement has also been directed towards the introduction of sustainable and innovative measures that not only make it easier for people to walk and cycle but also introduce green infrastructure within local communities.
"This is a great way of enhancing local communities, encouraging civic pride in where they live, as well as developing better sustainable transport links for those living there."
Another site has been created at the end of Burrows Road near Oystermouth Road.
Community groups were involved in shaping the plans, with regeneration specialists Urban Foundry supporting the design process.
The rain gardens are part of a wider programme of work aimed at boosting active travel routes and creating greener, more resilient neighbourhoods across Swansea.