Raingarden Demonstration Project in Somerset

Following the severe and prolonged flooding in Somerset in 2012 and 2013/14 the local authorities were tasked with preparing a 20 year Flood Action Plan. This plan also led to the formation of the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA). The SRA is run by a Board of local authority partners from the five District Councils, Somerset County Council, the Environment Agency, the Parrett and Axe Brue Internal Drainage Boards, the Wessex Regional Flood & Coastal Committee and Natural England. Through the SRA, SCC, along with these other partners, is working to deliver the actions contained in the Flood Action Plan. Feedback following the flooding identified the negative impact of development on flood risk and a perception that Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to help address urban run-off are not as widespread as they should be. Accordingly, one of the actions in the flood action plan is to implement a rain garden demonstration project.