We’re using (or hoping to use) various innovative measures in the Catchment to Coast project. On this page you can learn more about them and find out where we’re using what, in order to make our local area more resilient to flooding, erosion and drought, and to enhance the local environment for nature and wildlife.
A climate resilient garden is designed to be colourful, low maintenance with low watering needs and year round visual appeal and interest. The majority of plants in the garden have been chosen because they are pollinator friendly and encourage the health and population of pollinator insects which are fundamentally important for nature and the production of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
We’re using Climate resilient garden in these locations:
Coir matting will be used in front of the seawall on the mudflat to encourage the saltmarsh to re-establish.
We’re using Coir matting in these locations:
These products are made out of recycled concrete and are textured to create small habitats for marine species. By adding them onto the existing seawall we can protect the structure from erosion.
We’re using Exotiles and exowalls in these locations:
Floating barrier islands deflect and reduce the impact of waves on the shore. The barrier island will have a large area of natural materials that will reduce wave energy and also provide more habitats for wildlife.
We’re using Floating barrier island in these locations:
Visual flood warning beacons will improve understanding of flood risk. The beacons will be tied to local data gathering equipment and be promoted on social media and other platforms.
We’re using Flood warning beacons in these locations:
A Hydraloop device cleans greywater (waste water from showers, baths, basins and washing machines) as well as condensation water from tumble dryers, heat pumps, and air conditioning units. Using a Hydraloop device means this water can be reused for toilet flushing, garden irrigation and topping up swimming pools.
We’re using Hydraloop device in these locations:
Hydrorock is a natural aquifer system that’s installed under the ground. Made from natural mineral wool, it soaks up rainwater when it’s wet and then releases it slowly over time. It also irrigates the plants in the garden above, reducing the need for watering using mains water. At Juniper Road we have installed Hydrorock systems throughout the outside areas, collecting the water from the front section of the roof and porch. All systems are cleverly linked to provide resilience from surface water flooding and provide a water source for plants in the gardens.
We’re using Hydrorock in these locations:
Leaky dams hold back the flow and release it slowly. Leaky dams are a natural barrier which hold back water at times of heavy flow, such as in flood conditions, releasing it at a slower rate over a longer period of time.
We’re using Leaky dams in these locations:
Belfairs Wood, Benfleet Creek, North Shoebury, Stanford-le-Hope
Living green roofs reduce surface water runoff as well as creating new and varied habitats. They can be used on sheds as well as on larger buildings.
We’re using Living green roofs in these locations:
We’re using high-level modelling software called SCALGO-live that will help determine the best locations for our measures and predict changes in the natural flow of water. It will also show us where water is naturally pooling.
We’re using Modelling software in these locations:
Mycelium is a fine network of living fungal threads. The mycelium acts as a natural filter and improves water quality at the same time. We’re embedding it into our leaky dams, though high flow rates in the water course do create some challenges. We will likely put the mycelium in special bags and stuff them into the gaps in the dams.
We’re using Mycelium in these locations:
Belfairs Wood, Benfleet Creek, North Shoebury, Stanford-le-Hope
Using nature-based solutions means that the project works alongside the environment rather than against it. These measures are a win-win: they help the natural environment as well as addressing the challenges we face. Often these solutions are inspired by or borrowed from nature.
We’re using Nature-based solutions in these locations:
Belfairs Wood, Benfleet Creek, Leigh High Street, North Shoebury, St Mary’s, Two Tree Island, Ruskin Road recreation ground
Potato mats are an innovative starch biopolymer product made from potato waste. It’s a biodegradable lattice that helps reduce local currents and waves. It also provides shelter for wildlife.
We’re using Potato mats in these locations:
Rain gardens are landscaped in order to slow down and store rainwater runoff. They reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality. They also provide great natural habitats for wildlife.
We’re using Rain gardens in these locations:
Rainscaping uses a combination of planting, water features and porous surfaces to work with rainfall rather than trying to move the water away. It slows water runoff and allows more water to be absorbed. This helps us become more resilient to flooding and helps plants and wildlife too.
We’re using Rainscaping in these locations:
Traditional piling techniques can be used to upgrade seawalls (walls that protect the land from erosion from the sea). We’re also incorporating nature-based solutions within the designs, helping to improve local biodiversity.
We’re using Seawalls in these locations:
Stage monitors are devices that check the quality and/or levels of the water in different places. Used together with leaky dams they help us record how effective the dams are. They also tell us about the dams’ impact on storing flood water.
We’re using Stage monitors in these locations:
Sustainable drainage systems intercept rainfall going into our drains, reducing pressure on the surface water systems.
We’re using Sustainable drainage systems in these locations:
Swales are shallow and broad ditches that encourage natural drainage. They’re a kind of sustainable drainage system that have been used for generations to manage water. Evidence of old swales as long dried up mounds and ditches can be seen at historic forts and henges and all across our local woodlands.
We’re using Swales in these locations:
Slow-release water butts release excess water during heavy rainfall to increase capacity. They drain slowly to residents’ desired point and then continue to collect water when there isn’t an active storm.
We’re using Water butts in these locations:
Fairmead Avenue, Juniper Road, Ruskin Road, Shoebury development area
Using the areas around roads and roundabouts as a drainage feature means less water going into drains.
We’re using Wet verge system in these locations:
Wet woodland is an important natural habitat that supports a huge range of wildlife. These areas will also act as extra water storage during wet periods.
We’re using Wet woodland in these locations:
Wetland plants should help to filter the water, reducing impurities.
We’re using Wetland planting in these locations: