Work has begun to deliver three flood alleviation schemes as Hillingdon Council continues to strengthen local resilience to extreme weather and further protect its communities and green spaces.
Construction is already underway at Park Wood, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), where a series of natural flood management measures are being installed. These include five leaky dams, a new pond and other woodland interventions designed to slow water as it flows into the River Pinn following heavy rainfall.
The scheme will temporarily hold the water back reducing the flood risk to properties on roads downstream, including Park Avenue and Broadwood Avenue. This project is funded by the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee Natural Flood Management Fund and the HS2 Community and Environment Fund. It is expected to be finished later this month.
A second project has begun at Pinn Meadows, which will help slow water flow by restoring and naturalising sections of Elma's Ditch and expanding the groundwater pond to increase its capacity following heavy rain. Alterations to pipes that feed into the ditch will also help manage excess water.
Together with the measures in Park Wood, the project forms part of an area-wide approach to reducing flood risk along the River Pinn corridor. The works are funded by Defra’s Natural Flood Management Fund and scheduled for completion in December.
The final project at Bessingby Park is set to begin in October. The work will include deepening and widening the ‘attenuation pools’ which allow rainwater to accumulate and then drain away slowly over a long time. The excavated soil from these works will be used to create a protective mound along the park's southern boundary.
This scheme is due to be completed in November and is funded through the council’s Carbon Offset Fund.
Cllr Adam Bennett, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Community, Environment and Enforcement, said: “The new projects are a vital part of our ongoing work to help futureproof the borough against the changing climate and protect local residents and businesses from some of the impacts of extreme weather.
“While events like severe floods are relatively infrequent, it is essential that we continue to invest in measures that strengthen our defences and enable us to be better prepared and help protect our communities should something happen.
“As well as reducing the risk of flooding, these projects will create and enhance habitats for wildlife, boosting biodiversity and bringing additional benefits to our green spaces.”
Find out more about the flood protection initiatives at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/flood-resilience-projects
Get general information and advice at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/flooding.