Brighton's Wild Park set for almost £2 million improvements

The Aquifer Partnership (TAP) has been granted £1.7 million to create a rainscape in a small area of Brighton's Wild Park with the hope of "improving" the area with an attractive natural landscape.

Designed around several shallow planted basins, known as rainscapes which can hold water during heavy rainfall, the project will help to reduce pollution and improve the area for people and nature.

The new scheme is also designed to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination by introducing a new system to prevent polluted highway runoff from going directly into the park.

Brighton's Wild Park

It is hoped the move will improve the layout and function of the existing highway drainage and detention pond next to The Keep, which forms the first element of an innovative treatment train, linked to new wetland elements in Wild Park.

Chairman of The Aquifer Partnership, Councillor Martin Osborne said: "It is essential that we do whatever we can to prevent pollution into the aquifer, and the Wild Park rainscape illustrates how this can be achieved effectively, while enhancing the surrounding landscape.

"I look forward to seeing this important project progress and would encourage local residents to drop into the sessions to find out how they can get involved.”

The new system will slow down the water and hold it closer to the surface – in the park – copying natural processes, the city council claim.

Experts from TAP have carried out background work to check out the technical feasibility of the scheme and are now are keen to make contact, seek feedback and involve people as they start to move forward into the design stage.

Community drop-in events are being set up for residents and other interested parties to hear more about the plans, and feedback their comments.

Susie Howells of The Aquifer Partnership said: “Rainscapes (sustainable drainage or SuDS) have many benefits in both urban and rural settings.

"They slow the flow of water when there is heavy rain, which can help prevent or reduce flooding.

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"They filter dirty surface water from the roads, which cuts the amount of pollution getting into important groundwater resources.

"They provide valuable habitats for nature, with a beautiful diversity of planting and wildflowers that can support many types of species, as well as creating a wonderful area of green space – so they are great for people and nature.

“We are keen to support local people in setting up a ‘Friends of Wild Park’ for people to get more involved in the scheme as it progresses.”

The first two drop-in events will be held on:

•  Today Wednesday, March 2, any time between 11:30am – 7:30pm at The Bevy, Hillside, Brighton.
•  Wednesday, May 18, any time between 11:00am – 1:30pm at New Larchwood, Waldron Avenue, Brighton and 2:00pm to 7:30pm at Moulsecoomb Hall, Lewes Rd.