Rain gardens help slow surface water and support nature in Portsmouth

Southern Water is working in partnership with Portsmouth City Council to deliver two new rain gardens in the city that will help reduce storm overflows. 

Green‑fingered pupils from Bramble Infant School rolled up their sleeves to help with the planting of the rain gardens, installed on Bramble Road and Talbot Road in Southsea, and learnt how green solutions like this can make a difference. 

The sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) will play their part in wider work to reduce surface water entering the sewer network. By preventing or slowing the flow of surface water into the system, the schemes help reduce the risk of the sewer network becoming overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. 

Designed to capture and slow highway run‑off – and, in part, roof drainage – the rain gardens mimic natural processes, managing rainfall more sustainably before it reaches the sewer network, while also supporting nature and greener streets. 

The project forms part of wider partnership working across Portsmouth and sits alongside Southern Water’s £170 million programme of investment to reduce storm overflow releases into Portsmouth Harbour. 

It also comes as Southern Water is investing £1.5bn across its region over the next ten years to reduce storm overflow releases. 

Harry Buckingham, SuDS programme lead at Southern Water, said: 
“We’re delighted to be working closely with Portsmouth City Council and the local community on projects like these, which are already starting to make a difference by reducing the risk of storm overflows. 

“While these rain gardens are smaller‑scale schemes, they play an important role as part of the bigger picture. We’re excited to be pressing ahead and looking for further opportunities to deliver more SuDS across Portsmouth, working with partners to create greener spaces that benefit both residents and the environment.” 

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City: 

“We know climate change is already affecting our city, with heavier rainfall putting pressure on drainage systems and increasing the risk of flooding. Rain gardens like this are part of the solution. 

“By introducing sustainable drainage, we can reduce flood risk while creating greener, healthier places for people to enjoy. These projects support our vision for Portsmouth to be a green city with excellent air quality, thriving green spaces and a strong response to climate change that protects our environment for future generations.” 

Oli Bradley, Headteacher from Bramble Infant School and Nursery, said: “We’re proud to be part of this sustainability initiative and the children enjoyed learning about how it works and getting stuck in with the planting. We want our children to grow up understanding the importance of being community minded and making the world a better place a little bit at a time, which is what this project is all about.”