Wessex Water has highlighted the successful use of a reedbed for a flood alleviation scheme which has now been operational for three years to address a serious flooding problem.
Local surrounding villages at Hanging Langford in Wiltshire had been previously prone to serious storm flooding. As a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and site of special scientific interest it was of environmental importance to find a solution that supported wildlife and improved water quality, while relieving the flooding.
To come up with a cost effective and sustainable solution the Wessex engineering and construction services (WECS) environmental services team constructed a 2000m 2 reed bed adjacent to one of the nature reserve lakes to help naturally filter storm water before it reaches the river.
The reed bed is part of a £1.5m scheme which includes a pipe to carry water from the renovated Hanging Langford pumping station towards a new outfall on the River Wylye, having been screened en-route by the reed bed.
The reed bed, which has now been in operation for the last three years, has been a working sustainable drainage solution to flooding during some of the wettest winters, as well as a benefit to river water quality by filtering out pollutants.
Wessex Water's environment and catchment strategy manager Ruth Barden said:
"The reed bed has allowed us to provide a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to reduce the flood risk for Hanging Langford.”
"Waste water can now enter the bed, be filtered through the reeds and gravel and be discharged without adversely impacting the environment or using any energy consumption whatsoever."
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has praised the water company for an innovative solution to flooding in Hanging Langford which also enhances the native wildlife in the area
Gary Mantle, chief executive at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, added:
"We have been working closely with Wessex Water to help manage the reed bed which has been a fantastic win for local biodiversity. The reed bed has provided a valuable habitat for a range of species such as dragonflies and warblers and has also enhanced other local wildlife.”
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