Partnership bid to make urban environment ‘water friendly’
The Oswestry De-pave project will look at ways to make the town more ‘water friendly’
A new project looking at ways to make Oswestry’s urban environment more ‘water friendly’ is getting underway through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS).
The Oswestry de-pave project, one of the seven demonstrator projects being managed by Shropshire Council, will see Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) working to identify areas in the town that can be used to manage rainwater more effectively.
Project lead Jenna Shaw from SWT, said:-
“The project focuses on adapting these spaces by looking at ways to introduce and improve green infrastructure such as green roofs, tree pits, rain gardens, and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
“These allow water to soak into the ground more easily, reducing surface water flooding and improving resilience.
“Work has already started and we have funded two new green bus shelter roofs in the town which will not only capture rainwater and slow its release down to help reduce surface water flooding, but will bring ecological benefits too.
“I am keen to hear from people who may have ideas about sites that could be adapted and with ideas of how to make changes, no idea is too small to be considered and hopefully the project will influence future strategies so water-friendly sites are built into our urban area.”
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said:-
“All of the SVWMS demonstrator projects are examples of best practice and show how by playing our own part we can all influence the wider water management strategy for the benefit of all.
“The learnings from the Oswestry de-pave project will help inform how we can manage our urban environments elsewhere to reduce flood risk, improve resilience and our environment.”
Anyone wanting to suggest an opportunity for the Oswestry de-pave project can contact Jenna by email at jennas@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
About SVWMS: The SVWMS, is a partnership between the EA, Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council with the intention to tackle flooding, support thriving communities and create resilient environments through sustainable and holistic water management.
People can also keep up to date with progress of the scheme and all the latest news and events by viewing the SVWMS website, which seeks feedback from those with an interest in the scheme.
