Free handbook on permeable front gardens launched

A range of organisations in the North East of England have produced a user-friendly guide on permeable driveways and other features in an effort to combat a national trend towards impermeable front gardens.

The North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and other partners, including the Environment Agency, are aiming the free, downloadable handbook at householders but it may also act as inspiration for landscapers and support discussions with their clients.

It sets out the various options for permeable paving, including a comparison of costs, and explores topics like sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), managing waterlogged gardens, and low maintenance planting.

The handbook is part of a wider project, called Unpave the Way, which is looking to reverse the trend towards larger areas of impermeable paving in front gardens in order to accommodate vehicles or reduce maintenance.

Greater usage of impermeable paving may lead to a higher flood risk, at both local and catchment scales, and put more pressure on traditional drainage systems, which can in turn worsen pollution issues.

At BALI, we are clear that there will always be a place for impermeable paving but, where appropriate, would encourage members to explore alternative products which deliver for water management and the wider environment as well as immediate client needs.