Rain gardens and soakaways

An area of garden can be formed into a rain garden - a depression to collect and store rainwater running from conventional impermeable surfaces (asphalt, concrete and block paving), before slowly allowing it to soak into the ground or to flow to the drains.

Rain gardens are widely used in the USA and elsewhere but are a relatively new concept in the UK.

The depressions can be located along the edge of the drive or as a larger area in the garden at a low point. The depression can be planted with suitable plants to help slow run-off, or gravel or cobbles can be used as decorative features.

There may be a gravel-filled trench below it to increase the storage capacity and allow water to soak into the ground more easily.

Soakaways are a similar idea except that water is piped into a gravel-filled trench or special container and allowed to soak into the ground.

In some areas many houses have the roof downpipes connected to soakaways. They are more suitable for houses with larger front gardens as they require space and need to be located a suitable distance from buildings.

Read more about important issues to consider and more detailed practical advice in 'Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens'.