Yesterday we were lucky to welcome Roger Nowell to the park for a lively and informative tour of the SUDS (Sustainable drainage system) scheme.
Roger works for Sheffield City Council in Flood and Water management. He also previously worked for 10 years on Manor Fields Park and was central to it's development. So, he knows his stuff and we are very grateful for his time.
We learnt about the existing SUDS system on the park - a system of ditches, swales and pipework that allows water to run off from the surrounding housing estates and be steadily directed into the river system. This prevents it all crashing into the sewer system at once, which is far less sustainable and can lead to flooding. Instead, the water is collected and directed slowly into the river system, greatly reducing the risk of flooding - particularly in the event of a serious weather event - a "100 year storm"
The soil in the ditches acts as a filter system, so polluted water run-off from roads, for example, is cleaned naturally before finding the water ways. In addition, the system creates natural features for the park - that look great for people to enjoy, and also create additional habitat. It's a win for everyone!
This system is at the forefront of sustainable flood management - in the country! It is a national example of good practice and we are really rather chuffed to be home to it.
We also looked at the site were the scheme is going to be extended, creating a new water collection basin in the park. This will be built near the Cemetery entrance to the park, and work will commence soon. This project is about increasing the water holding capacity of the system, due to the building of new houses nearby. The new housing estate will increase water run-off, adding burden to the waterways. By extending the drainage system in the park, the impact will be reduced overall.
The works in the park will also include new and improved landscaping around the basin - with new planting and features for people to enjoy. It will create wetland habitat also, great for wildlife. Finally, a more accessible path will be built to run through the park.
Overall, a great little walk. It was really interesting to meet the friendly locals and interested professionals who came along. It's always amazing to hear the local knowledge of people in this area. Many thanks to all who came out, despite the onslaught from storm Dudley!
Roger works for Sheffield City Council in Flood and Water management. He also previously worked for 10 years on Manor Fields Park and was central to it's development. So, he knows his stuff and we are very grateful for his time.
We learnt about the existing SUDS system on the park - a system of ditches, swales and pipework that allows water to run off from the surrounding housing estates and be steadily directed into the river system. This prevents it all crashing into the sewer system at once, which is far less sustainable and can lead to flooding. Instead, the water is collected and directed slowly into the river system, greatly reducing the risk of flooding - particularly in the event of a serious weather event - a "100 year storm"
The soil in the ditches acts as a filter system, so polluted water run-off from roads, for example, is cleaned naturally before finding the water ways. In addition, the system creates natural features for the park - that look great for people to enjoy, and also create additional habitat. It's a win for everyone!
This system is at the forefront of sustainable flood management - in the country! It is a national example of good practice and we are really rather chuffed to be home to it.
We also looked at the site were the scheme is going to be extended, creating a new water collection basin in the park. This will be built near the Cemetery entrance to the park, and work will commence soon. This project is about increasing the water holding capacity of the system, due to the building of new houses nearby. The new housing estate will increase water run-off, adding burden to the waterways. By extending the drainage system in the park, the impact will be reduced overall.
The works in the park will also include new and improved landscaping around the basin - with new planting and features for people to enjoy. It will create wetland habitat also, great for wildlife. Finally, a more accessible path will be built to run through the park.
Overall, a great little walk. It was really interesting to meet the friendly locals and interested professionals who came along. It's always amazing to hear the local knowledge of people in this area. Many thanks to all who came out, despite the onslaught from storm Dudley!
RSS Feed
