2 weeks Ago
Work to reduce water pollution at a park is underway. Excavation is currently taking place to create a "rainscape" in Wild Park, Brighton. The Wild Park "rainscape" is designed to reduce pollution in water running off from roads and provide a natural landscape to encourage wildlife and biodiversity.
Rainfall is collected in a chalk aquifer under the South Downs, which provides water for around 365,000 people in the city. Excavators on the site (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) Pollution has caused increasing pressure on the aquifer and puts the quality of the water at risk. The new rainscape will capture water in shallow basins and allow it to filter safely into the aquifer below.
Read more: Housing estate residents feel 'abandoned' by council over antisocial behaviour Ongoing works will shape two retention ponds and a swale, a shallow channel which can be used for water harvesting. Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport and the public realm, said: “Significant community engagement is taking place as part of the Wild Park rainscape and residents are actively involved in shaping the project. “We have planted 14 orchard trees and a further 45 new trees, together with 800m2 of new wetland and marginal planting.
We will be seeding 15,000m2 of wildflowers as part of the project. “The Wild Park rainscape will provide a practical way of adapting to climate change by managing water in better ways, helping to recharge the precious Chalk aquifer, improve the environment and provide a safe and welcoming space for all the community to enjoy.”.
