Who said SuDS have to be complicated?

Who said Sustainable Drainage Systems have to be complicated..?

Here's a nice example of a DIY rain garden in a rural setting, from a recent trip to Ireland. The owner clearly had an appreciation for water and its importance. 

In addition to the simple but effective nature-based storm water management shown here, the owner was also collecting and storing rainwater from farm buildings which supplied the entire property + annex (with exception to a drinking tap in each - from a well). 

This example is as simple as it gets, but still manages rainwater runoff whilst achieving much more than a sewer connection or soakaway:

🌳 Passive irrigation of plants and groundwater recharge

💧 Celebrating water by keeping it visible

🌧 Prevents ponding adjacent to the building, reducing flood risk and preventing damp

🛠 Performance is visible to enable monitring and timely maintenance

🌊 Using the natural topography to provide attenuation without the need for excavationg or carbon-intensive products

Of course, there are some improvements that could be made and I have sketched up some ideas. 

There are tonnes of opportunities like this in our urban environments, albeit some may need a little more design and engineering to truly add value. This example is certainly great inspiration.

Garden sketch of rainwater collection

Garden showing two pipes