An ambitious new flood alleviation scheme at Lyndhurst Park and The Meads Open Space will tackle climate change and reduce the threat to homes and infrastructure during heavy rain.
Works begin this month on Barnet Council’s latest project of its kind and include adjusting the slopes of Burnt Oak Brook, making it safer and more stable. New flood basins will be dug, containing water during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing flood risk to nearby houses, businesses and streets. There will also be new trees, wetland planting, low-lying mounds, meadow areas and landscaping across the two parks, which straddle Burnt Oak and Mill Hill.
The project follows similar award-winning flood alleviation schemes introduced by Barnet Council in Watling Park- Burnt Oak, Friary Park- Friern Barnet, and Halliwick Park- Muswell Hill.
Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “This will help address the increasing risk posed by climate change. While reducing the risk of flooding, it will also provide a more biodiverse and picturesque amenity space for residents to enjoy throughout the year. We’re working together as a borough to become more sustainable and make Barnet net zero by 2042 – and this is another step we’re making in the right direction.”
The project is funded by Defra as part of the Action for Silk Stream £6m project which Barnet secured from the Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
Find out more: https://www.thames21.org.uk/action-for-silk-stream-site-plans/meads-open-space/External link
Action for Silk Stream: a project to help tackle the effects of climate change | Barnet Council