Heston Action Group rain garden: Crane Valley Partnership projects
Care for the Crane Valley catchment environment goes beyond the actual rivers and streams such as the River Crane. In built-up suburban areas drains may not cope with the high volumes of surface water that run off paved surfaces. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) such as rain-gardens slow and filter rainwater, reducing flood risk and helping to build a more resilient ecosystem. Heston Action Group provide a great example of how practical community action can develop SuDS.
Heston Action Group was formed in 2018 by a group of local residents passionate about improving civic pride in their community. The group came together to tackle various issues in the Heston area, including environmental concerns, poor community cohesion and local amenities. Through organising litter picks, planting sessions, and supporting local initiatives such as Cleaner Greener Hounslow and Play Streets, Heston Action Group has made significant progress in creating a greener, safer and more connected neighbourhood.
Central to Heston Action Group is the Heston Community Garden, established in 2020, which features vegetable patches, a wildlife pond, a medicinal garden, a polytunnel and fruit trees. A Hub was also created on the site to host meetings, training sessions and other community gatherings. Recently, the group completed a tree nursery project at the Community Garden, known as the West London Tree Hub. They hope the trees will be given to schools, local parks, corporate groups and local residents. In addition, they aim to raise awareness on the importance of depaving and rewilding public spaces and front gardens.
Another main topic the group focus on is flood resilience and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). They work with various organisations such as Thames 21 and Hounslow Highways on flood management and de-paving initiatives. Flood resilience is becoming increasingly important as risks of flash flooding increase, particularly in large cities like London. In the UK, sewage and rainwater are often carried in the same pipes, which become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall due to the run-off on impermeable surfaces like concrete. The excess flow in the sewers is often released through overflows into rivers. Sustainable Drainage Systems can act as sponges, mimicking natural drainage processes by absorbing and slowly releasing excess rainwater, thus reducing the strain on local drainage systems. Beyond flood mitigation, SuDS often improve biodiversity and create new habitats. They can also help make local communities cleaner and greener by reducing pollution and providing recreational green spaces.
Our Community Engagement Officer, Sophia, visited the group during a rain garden planting session with Thames 21. This is a type of SuDS which helps to alleviate flooding. For a further look at this project, check out this insightful video: Raingarden Planting with Thames21: Greener Solutions for Urban Flooding!
London flooding: Should the capital become a ‘sponge city’? – BBC News