Climate Change & Raingardens @ Durham Wildlife Trust

John from Durham Wildlife Trust recently visited us for two days to work with Year 5 on a practical solution to surface flooding from heavy rainfall. The project led to the building of a raingarden on our school site. You can spot it near the main entrance of our school. Year 5 pupils worked well to learn the instructions and follow them successfully.

What is a Raingarden?
A raingarden is a simple and effective way to help avoid surface flooding due to heavy rain. It also provides a micro wetland habitat for wildlife.

How does it work?
Rain water run-off from the down pipe of a gutter is diverted to a container which houses layers of filtration materials. The rain water works its way through the layers and then returns to the drainage system via an exit pipe.

Why do we need one?
This process slows down the rate of water flow into the drain system, thereby reducing the risk of sewers becoming overwhelmed and flooding the surface during times of very heavy rain.

Take a look at Year 5 in action: