Not only can nature-based solutions and raingardens prevent surface flooding and promote biodiversity, they can also remove pollution from road runoff, returning cleaner water to rivers.

Our director Isla Jackson joined forces with Prof. Vernon Phoenix, Head of Department, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, at the latest Festival of Place: Climate Resilience event to share the story of hardworking horticulture, and the ways raingardens can have a positive impact on the environment and people’s lives.

Taking cues from their pioneering research into sustainable drainage performance at our Glasgow’s ‘Avenues’ project, Isla and Vernon shared a case study that revealed innovative thinking about how raingardens sit within a wider infrastructure puzzle and busted some myths around their maintenance.

The session explored the opportunities of raingardens to solve multiple challenges and their ability to create liveable, walkable and healthier neighbourhoods with greater biodiversity.

Isla and Vernon shared how their collaboration on the project sought to reduce pollutants and minimise flood risk through natural drainage, with cleaner water released into the River Clyde. The plantings also provide a buffer between cycle paths and road users, and provide biodiversity and soft landscaping.

Sharing the importance of raingardens, Isla said: “We need to deliver good, green infrastructure for the future. We need to get as many of these solutions on the ground as we can, but to do it in a way that benefits the street as a whole. It’s not just an engineering solution. It’s also landscape. It’s biodiversity. And it’s about creating economic conditions, so people want to dwell, they want to shop and they want to be there.”

We’re proud long-term supporters of the festival, which brings together professionals to learn and engage with best practice in creating sustainable and resilient places.

You can find out more and watch the session back here.