The WWT Working Wetlands Garden supported by the HSBC Water Programme

The Working Wetlands Garden is a haven for wildlife and people and at the same time demonstrates a working solution to the problem of flash flooding caused by urban run-off.

Car parks, roads and roofs all speed up the rate of run-off into drains and increase the risk of flooding. Here, water from the roof is collected into a mini wetland. As water passes through the cascading water feature it is cleaned and filtered by soil and plants. The purified rainwater fills an amazing wildlife pond. After very heavy rain the pond will overflow into a series of low wetlands and ‘swales’, which store the water, releasing it slowly. In the process this wetland garden creates a wonderful habitat for nature and a beautiful place for people. It also works hard to prevent flash floods downstream.