New rainscape area being created in city park

Work has begun on the creation of a rainscape wetland area in a city park.

Archaeologists have started preparing the site in Wild Park, Brighton, this week ahead of the main groundwork in August.

The rainscape, also known as a sustainable drainage system, will be an engineered and landscaped site designed to manage surface water.

This will then reduce the flood risk, improve the water quality, and benefit the biodiversity at the site.

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Brighton and Hove City Council said the rainscape will have four shallow basins to hold water during heavy rainfall.

These linked basins will be in the grassed area directly between the park entrance and the end of the turning circle adjacent to the road.

The water will then be directed from the entrance road to the basins via a short channel.

The basins will be planted with wildlife-friendly shallow wetlands to help balance water resources that are vital for the city’s water supply.

Three trees will be removed from the site and 24 new parkland trees, eight orchard trees and areas of hazel coppice will be planted.

The park pond will be upgraded and new pathways, seating, bins and signage will be introduced.

During the construction work, some paths might be temporarily closed however the rest of the park will remain accessible with clear markings of alternative routes.

A construction environmental management plan has been drawn up to minimise disturbance to park-goers and wildlife.

Andy Westwood, head of transport projects and engineering, said: "The Wild Park Rainscape is a pioneer project in our city, benefiting people, water and nature and showcasing how we can adapt to the impacts of climate change: warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers and increasingly intense storms.

"By next summer, the wetland area will have blossomed into a beautiful and sustainable space that enhances wildlife, improves water quality and demonstrates better ways of managing water more sustainably in the environment.

"With local support, we hope the Wild Park Rainscape will become a local landmark and testament to environmental stewardship and lead the way for similar projects in the city."

The work should be complete by autumn.