Residents in Margate now have improved protection from flood risk thanks to the BEGIN project.
The scheme has redesigned George V Park to provide storage for surface water from surrounding roads.
A general view of the newly modernised George V Park in Margate
The works mean water is stored and filtered slowly through the planting to remove any pollutants and help it drain through the ground.
Before the upgrade, the water would have drained into the combined sewer network, which could be overwhelmed by heavy rain and add to local flooding.
Now 761m3 of surface water can be stored naturally in ponds and swales and in partnership with Isle of Thanet Tree and Woodland Initiative 42 additional trees have been planted in the park.
Left, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment Susan Carey and, right, Vice-Chairman Lesley Game
As well as this, more than 30 trees have been planted along two roads, as part of the EU funded Interreg 2 Seas Cool Towns project. Eleven of the trees are planted in tree pits which will also help manage surface water by collecting and infiltrating the water back into the ground.
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Susan Carey, said: “Innovative projects like this not only help protect neighbourhoods from flooding but bring other benefits as well such as habitat for wildlife, shade in the summer and a more pleasant environment for everyone.
“It is part of KCC’s wider work to adapt to climate change and improve our natural environment.”
Officers and council members responsible for delivering the project
Funds were provided by the EU Interreg North Seas Region as part of BEGIN which brings together work in communities in the UK, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Sweden and The Netherlands as well as UK partners, Enfield, Bradford and Aberdeen to find ways to adapt urban green spaces to manage flood risk, reduce climate change impacts and create more attractive places.
The BEGIN project has been shortlisted for the EU Regiostars awards, which marks achievements brought about by EU-funded projects.