World Environmental Health Day falls on the 26th of September every year which is set by the International Federation of Environmental Health and its purpose is to raise awareness of the significance of the health of our environment. Urban spaces are a threat to our environment through Urban Creep which massively reduces refuge for wildlife. In this post we discuss the ways in which urban biodiversity can be helped and amplified by Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDS).
SUDS or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems are different methods we use to manage stormwater, with a focus on mimicking natural processes. These methods are meant to reduce the risk of surface water flooding, make us more resilient to drought and help reduce the risk of sewage spills into our waterways.
Studies estimate ambient air pollution causes over 4 million premature deaths annually as well as the general negative impact on health and increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Green spaces in urban areas act as natural pollution barriers and help filter the air we breathe. Therefore, it is vital that any plans we undertake should consider implementing greener solutions.
The expansion of cities leads to more concreting of green spaces reducing surface water absorption as these surfaces are impermeable. This in turn can lead to dangerous standing water and flooded homes. Wild spaces act like sponges helping to reduce these risks.
More habitats for smaller animals will attract larger prey animals. Birds, like sparrows and swallows, feed on insects, while bats consume large quantities of mosquitoes and other insects at night. In fact, bat nesting boxes have been used in Italy to combat mosquito populations as a natural alternative to pesticides. Similarly, urban foxes help control rodent populations, which can otherwise lead to a spike in pest-related issues
Just like conventional water butts, rain planters are connected to a downpipe and roof gutter. However, these devices include a basin at the top of water butt, ideal for small plants improving the aesthetic of your outdoor space and biodiversity! The water from the roof feeds the plants and any excess infiltrates down into a container that can be used for other gardening purposes.
BioSwales are shallow manmade channels covered in vegetation with sloping sides that allow stormwater to be filtered and naturally infiltrate through the ground and replenish aquifers. Aquifers are layers of rock or other geological strata that can absorb water and allow it to flow which are viable and vital stores of water that can be utilised in drier periods.
They are manmade ponds designed to receive stormwater runoff an act as an artificial wetland, it is different to a detention basin in that a detention basin only temporarily stores the stormwater, a Retention basin will be permanently wet. Storm water is usually directed to these basins from non-permeable areas.
Rain gardens are typically shallow areas of ground designed to receive water run offs from a roof, this will usually involve disconnecting a downspout from flowing directly into the storm drain. The area will be planted with plants that can withstand waterlogging and these act as a natural filter for the stormwater before the water returns to the system.
Green roofs is exactly how it sounds. Growing vegetation on the side of your roofs absorbs some of the stormwater which collects on there, which in turn reduces the amount that ends up down the downspout and into our sewers.
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