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Small beehives can be easily integrated in gardens, consider placing them next to wildflowers and flowerbeds
11.5 Habitats
You can create habitats in your garden by making a series of small changes, which may be planted or non-greening elements.
11.5.1
Consider allowing a lawn to grow more naturally, as overly-manicured spaces can limit wildlife. Mowing less often or leaving a small area uncut can create a more welcoming environment for birds and insects.
11.5.2
Growing a wildflower meadow can help to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
11.5.3
Installing bird feeders and nesting boxes can attract a variety of birds, which in turn helps to control insect populations.
11.5.4
Work with neighbours to create a “hedgehog highway” at ground level by incorporating small gaps at the base of fences. Consider introducing mixed native hedgerows along property boundaries.
11.5.5
Urban beekeeping is an excellent way to boost garden biodiversity. Hives can be suitable for small gardens, yards, roof terraces, and even flat-roof buildings, and are available in a range of styles.
11.5.6
Even a pile of logs in your garden can serve as a brilliant habitat for wildlife. A log pile left to decay can provide shelter, food, and breeding spots for insects, amphibians and small mammals.
Sustainable hedgehog highway made from a recycled section of ceramic pipe
Ponds
A pond can be a great addition to a garden, creating a focal point and bringing wildlife and tranquillity to the space. Garden ponds can help to regulate the microclimate, create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife, reduce rainwater runoff and help to replenish local groundwater.
11.5.7
When introducing a garden pond consider the following:
location within the garden.
the shape and size.
ensure a pond liner is used, or a pre-formed pond shell, to create a durable and functional pond. These could be made from recycled materials such as re-used compost bags.
underlayment.
pond pump and filter to ensure a healthy environment for animals and plants.
water plants.
gently sloping slides help wildlife.
pond edging stones or materials. This can help animals to move in and out of the pond, helping to establish new habitats.
11.5.8
Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining a healthy garden pond. To reap the maximum benefits, gardeners should:
clean the pond regularly by removing debris and fallen leaves.
monitor the water quality at least once a month and adjust as needed.
trim and care for pond plants to prevent overgrowth.
11.5.9
It is important to make garden ponds safe if young children will be playing nearby. Consider installing a low-level fence, or creating a planted border around a pond.
Plants and rocks can be used to create a border for your pond
Green roofs A green roof, or living roof, is self-regenerating natural roofing system. Installing a green roof on a low-level roof or new extension can offer numerous environmental and aesthetic benefits.
11.5.10
Proposals for a new green roof must be accompanied by a management plan. This will be secured by a planning condition, on approval of the planning application, to guarantee the health, safety and positive impact of the green roof.
11.5.11
Where green roofs are proposed they should be designed to:
ensure the roof can support the weight of any system.
consider irrigation, if this is required based on planting selection.
ensure waterproofing to prevent leaks.
incorporate a drainage layer to manage excess water and prevent root damage.
include plants for specific conditions of the roof (e.g., sun exposure, wind).
incorporate a minimum of 100-200mm of soil to support a good mix of planting.
include a mix of plant species to support local biodiversity.
include regular maintenance.
11.5.12
Before installing a green roof, it should be taken into consideration that all green roofs need to be accessible, to allow maintenance and replanting as/when required.
Residential areas in the borough have experienced flooding from surface water during major storm events, and some areas are at greater risk than others. For more information, please check here to see if your home is affected.
Whether your home is at risk of flooding or not, your garden has a fantastic opportunity to benefit from Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which reduce pressure on surface water sewers and contribute to flood risk alleviation. From draining hardstanding areas to replacing impervious surfaces, SuDS can offer creative solutions for your garden.
Raingarden in St. James Quarter, Walthamstow, helping to mitigate local flood risk
Raingardens
11.6.1
Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that collect stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and lawns. Planting allows the water to soak into the ground instead of overwhelming storm drains.
11.6.2
Raingardens can be easily integrated into gardens and can be beneficial at any size. Raingardens filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, reduce erosion and provide habitats for wildlife.
11.6.3
For further guidance on creating your own raingarden, see advice from the Royal Horticultural Society here.
Soakaway being installed in a rear garden
Soakaways
11.6.4
Soakaways are underground pits that collect rainwater runoff from roofs. Water is slowly released to the surrounding soil through percolation to prevent flooding and waterlogging.
11.6.5
Soakaways typically include underground plastic containers, which can hold large volumes of water. A geotextile membrane to stops soil from clogging the system.
Rainwater harvesting
11.6.6
Rainwater harvesting is where rainwater is collected from a roof via gutters and downpipes and stored in a water butt or tank.
11.6.7
By capturing and storing water during downpours, rainwater systems help to reduce pressure on centralised drainage systems, while helping to conserve water.
11.6.8
Collected water can be used for watering your garden, topping up your pond, or providing cooling and refuge for wildlife during periods of prolonged dry weather.
11.6.9
When incorporating rainwater harvesting consider:
the location of the water butt or tank so that it can collect the most rainwater (usually near a downpipe).
fitting a filter or mesh in the downpipe.
connecting a tap or hose to a storage tank for easier usage.
adding overflows or a connection to a planted area, conveyance channel or drain as a last resort.
draining the rainwater harvesting component prior to the onset of a forecast heavy rainfall event, ensure sufficient capacity is available.
Downspouting in garden for plant watering
Other sustainable drainage features
11.6.10
Living and biodiverse roofs help to reduce surface water runoff, in addition to supporting biodiversity.
11.6.11
The amount of hardstanding in gardens should be reduced and permeable or porous paving introduced to slow the flow of water. Read more about garden materials here.
11.6.12
French drains, narrow channels filled with gravel, can help to reduce surface water flooding.
11.6.13
Planters with inbuilt rainwater reservoirs can reduce the need for watering so frequently.
11.6.14
Downpipes can be disconnected and water flow directed into planters, or to raingardens and soakaways, to reduce strain on sewers.
Small beehives can be easily integrated in gardens, consider placing them next to wildflowers and flowerbeds
11.5 Habitats
You can create habitats in your garden by making a series of small changes, which may be planted or non-greening elements.
11.5.1
Consider allowing a lawn to grow more naturally, as overly-manicured spaces can limit wildlife. Mowing less often or leaving a small area uncut can create a more welcoming environment for birds and insects.
11.5.2
Growing a wildflower meadow can help to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
11.5.3
Installing bird feeders and nesting boxes can attract a variety of birds, which in turn helps to control insect populations.
11.5.4
Work with neighbours to create a “hedgehog highway” at ground level by incorporating small gaps at the base of fences. Consider introducing mixed native hedgerows along property boundaries.
11.5.5
Urban beekeeping is an excellent way to boost garden biodiversity. Hives can be suitable for small gardens, yards, roof terraces, and even flat-roof buildings, and are available in a range of styles.
11.5.6
Even a pile of logs in your garden can serve as a brilliant habitat for wildlife. A log pile left to decay can provide shelter, food, and breeding spots for insects, amphibians and small mammals.
Sustainable hedgehog highway made from a recycled section of ceramic pipe
Ponds
A pond can be a great addition to a garden, creating a focal point and bringing wildlife and tranquillity to the space. Garden ponds can help to regulate the microclimate, create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife, reduce rainwater runoff and help to replenish local groundwater.
11.5.7
When introducing a garden pond consider the following:
location within the garden.
the shape and size.
ensure a pond liner is used, or a pre-formed pond shell, to create a durable and functional pond. These could be made from recycled materials such as re-used compost bags.
underlayment.
pond pump and filter to ensure a healthy environment for animals and plants.
water plants.
gently sloping slides help wildlife.
pond edging stones or materials. This can help animals to move in and out of the pond, helping to establish new habitats.
11.5.8
Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining a healthy garden pond. To reap the maximum benefits, gardeners should:
clean the pond regularly by removing debris and fallen leaves.
monitor the water quality at least once a month and adjust as needed.
trim and care for pond plants to prevent overgrowth.
11.5.9
It is important to make garden ponds safe if young children will be playing nearby. Consider installing a low-level fence, or creating a planted border around a pond.
Plants and rocks can be used to create a border for your pond
Green roofs A green roof, or living roof, is self-regenerating natural roofing system. Installing a green roof on a low-level roof or new extension can offer numerous environmental and aesthetic benefits.
11.5.10
Proposals for a new green roof must be accompanied by a management plan. This will be secured by a planning condition, on approval of the planning application, to guarantee the health, safety and positive impact of the green roof.
11.5.11
Where green roofs are proposed they should be designed to:
ensure the roof can support the weight of any system.
consider irrigation, if this is required based on planting selection.
ensure waterproofing to prevent leaks.
incorporate a drainage layer to manage excess water and prevent root damage.
include plants for specific conditions of the roof (e.g., sun exposure, wind).
incorporate a minimum of 100-200mm of soil to support a good mix of planting.
include a mix of plant species to support local biodiversity.
include regular maintenance.
11.5.12
Before installing a green roof, it should be taken into consideration that all green roofs need to be accessible, to allow maintenance and replanting as/when required.
Residential areas in the borough have experienced flooding from surface water during major storm events, and some areas are at greater risk than others. For more information, please check here to see if your home is affected.
Whether your home is at risk of flooding or not, your garden has a fantastic opportunity to benefit from Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) which reduce pressure on surface water sewers and contribute to flood risk alleviation. From draining hardstanding areas to replacing impervious surfaces, SuDS can offer creative solutions for your garden.
Raingarden in St. James Quarter, Walthamstow, helping to mitigate local flood risk
Raingardens
11.6.1
Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions that collect stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and lawns. Planting allows the water to soak into the ground instead of overwhelming storm drains.
11.6.2
Raingardens can be easily integrated into gardens and can be beneficial at any size. Raingardens filter pollutants, recharge groundwater, reduce erosion and provide habitats for wildlife.
11.6.3
For further guidance on creating your own raingarden, see advice from the Royal Horticultural Society here.
Soakaway being installed in a rear garden
Soakaways
11.6.4
Soakaways are underground pits that collect rainwater runoff from roofs. Water is slowly released to the surrounding soil through percolation to prevent flooding and waterlogging.
11.6.5
Soakaways typically include underground plastic containers, which can hold large volumes of water. A geotextile membrane to stops soil from clogging the system.
Rainwater harvesting
11.6.6
Rainwater harvesting is where rainwater is collected from a roof via gutters and downpipes and stored in a water butt or tank.
11.6.7
By capturing and storing water during downpours, rainwater systems help to reduce pressure on centralised drainage systems, while helping to conserve water.
11.6.8
Collected water can be used for watering your garden, topping up your pond, or providing cooling and refuge for wildlife during periods of prolonged dry weather.
11.6.9
When incorporating rainwater harvesting consider:
the location of the water butt or tank so that it can collect the most rainwater (usually near a downpipe).
fitting a filter or mesh in the downpipe.
connecting a tap or hose to a storage tank for easier usage.
adding overflows or a connection to a planted area, conveyance channel or drain as a last resort.
draining the rainwater harvesting component prior to the onset of a forecast heavy rainfall event, ensure sufficient capacity is available.
Downspouting in garden for plant watering
Other sustainable drainage features
11.6.10
Living and biodiverse roofs help to reduce surface water runoff, in addition to supporting biodiversity.
11.6.11
The amount of hardstanding in gardens should be reduced and permeable or porous paving introduced to slow the flow of water. Read more about garden materials here.
11.6.12
French drains, narrow channels filled with gravel, can help to reduce surface water flooding.
11.6.13
Planters with inbuilt rainwater reservoirs can reduce the need for watering so frequently.
11.6.14
Downpipes can be disconnected and water flow directed into planters, or to raingardens and soakaways, to reduce strain on sewers.
Small beehives can be easily integrated in gardens, consider placing them next to wildflowers and flowerbeds
Sustainable hedgehog highway made from a recycled section of ceramic pipe
Plants and rocks can be used to create a border for your pond 
Raingarden in St. James Quarter, Walthamstow, helping to mitigate local flood risk
Soakaway being installed in a rear garden
Downspouting in garden for plant watering