The newly installed rain garden, unveiled on March 26, is one of several being installed across Tewkesbury throughout 2026 and has been designed to catch rainwater before it runs straight into the drains, playing a pivotal role in reducing flooding in the town when storms hit.
The scheme forms part of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Waterscapes project, in partnership with Intact Insurance, which is delivering natural flood management solutions across Tewkesbury and Stroud.
The structure plays a pivotal role in reducing flooding in the town when storms hit. Instead, 300 litres of water will be diverted into the planted area, where it can slowly soak through specially prepared layers of soil - a simple, nature-based approach known as a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS). In extreme weather events, any excess water will be piped back into the storm drains slowly, filtered by the special layers of substrate to remove pollutants.
Tabitha George, Waterscapes project co-ordinator, said
“As more of these rain gardens are installed, and the pressure released on storm drain systems, the chances of surface water flooding locally are drastically reduced.
“This rain garden will welcome those visiting Tewkesbury with pops of colour and wildlife while explaining how useful SUDS are.
“It was great to work with Tewkesbury Town Council on this rain garden, and we look forward to installing more.”
Tewkesbury Town Mayor, Alan Hayes, said
“The new Rain Garden initiative will be a fine addition to the Town. It is a partnership of the aesthetic with the pragmatic, enhancing and improving the look of the Gloucester Road toilet block, while helping to store and utilise excess run off water, encouraging and stimulating new life and vibrant colour.
“Really a win-win situation that can hopefully be adopted in other parts of the Town. Thanks are due to the Councillors, GWT and local people who have helped in preparation and construction of the Garden. Good work that should keep rewarding into the future.”
As well as helping to manage water during storms, the rain garden also provides a colourful, wildlife-friendly addition to the town centre. Planted with a variety of species chosen for their resilience and benefit to pollinators, the feature demonstrates how practical infrastructure can also enhance public spaces.
The opening of the Gloucester Road Car Park rain garden comes just ahead of Waterscapes Week, running from March 30 to April 2, which celebrates the project so far.
The week aims to raise awareness and engage local communities with the project as it moves into its second year, with events including workshops on how to build a rain garden and pond dipping sessions.
The Waterscapes project is a two-year project that is possible thanks to Intact Insurance, Waterscape's founding partner, and project partners, the Environment Agency and Gloucestershire County Council.