Imagine a special garden designed to catch rainwater and prevent pollution. That's a rain garden! It's like a shallow hole in the ground filled with native plants, special soil, and rocks. These gardens are strategically placed to collect rainwater from rooftops and driveways, allowing it to soak into the ground instead of flowing away as dirty water.

Rain Gardens: Your Allies in Keeping Water Clean

Reducing Water Pollution

1. Managing Rainwater: Rain gardens are superheroes when it comes to managing rainwater. In cities, rainwater can't seep into the ground because of all the concrete. So, when it rains, the water rushes across the hard surfaces, picking up pollutants like dirt, oil, and chemicals. But rain gardens come to the rescue! They slow down the water and give it time to soak into the soil. By doing this, rain gardens reduce the amount of dirty water flowing into our rivers and lakes.

2. Cleaning the Water: The soil in rain gardens is special because it acts like a filter. As rainwater trickles through the soil, it traps and removes pollutants, making the water cleaner. Things like dirt, oil, and chemicals get stuck in the soil, so they don't end up in our water sources. The plants in the rain garden also help clean the water by absorbing nutrients and capturing sediment.

3. Nature's Water Storage: Rain gardens are excellent at storing water, just like a natural sponge. The plants and soil in the garden can hold onto the water, preventing it from rushing away. This not only reduces pollution but also allows natural processes to break down harmful substances over time.

4. Protecting Our Water: By capturing rainwater and filtering out pollutants, rain gardens act as guardians for our water sources. They stop harmful substances from reaching lakes, rivers, and oceans, keeping the water clean and protecting the creatures that live there.

5. Learning and Community: Rain gardens aren't just gardens; they're also great for learning and bringing communities together. When rain gardens are created in public spaces, schools, or neighborhoods, they provide opportunities to learn about taking care of our water.

We are currently designing a series of rain gardens and seeking funding to implement them across North and Mid Wales. Look out for one near you!