Street trees and sustainable drainage project call
Boroughs are invited to submit innovative project proposals that deliver street trees combined with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). This project is part of the wider Mayor’s Street Tree initiative, but requires a separate application for grant funding.
Background
During his first term the Mayor fulfilled a commitment to plant 10,000 street trees in London. Following the success of this initiative the Mayor has committed to plant an additional 10,000 street trees by March 2015. We have recently launched the third phase of the Mayor’s Street Tree Initiative working in partnership with the Forestry Commission and Groundwork London and welcome applications until 29th August 2014. Further details including guidance and application forms can be found here.
The GLA has also secured additional funding to support innovative projects that deliver street trees combined with sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). As a result we invite London boroughs to submit proposals for “trees+SuDS” projects by 19th September 2014, which will be delivered by March 2015.
Why trees+SuDS?
Surface water flooding is a problem in many urban areas that have a large area of impermeable surface, like London. It occurs when rainwater cannot soak into the ground and overwhelms the drainage system, forming puddles, pools and temporary flows. Some storms completely overwhelm our drainage systems and we experience flooding that can affect properties and livelihoods. Like many other cities London is promoting sustainable drainage, including the use of green infrastructure to help reduce surface water flooding. Urban trees and forests are recognised as an important and cost effective infrastructure to help reduce flood risk resulting from intense rainfall.
Boroughs are the Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) for London and have responsibility for managing flood risk from surface water, groundwater and watercourses. Each London borough will have a Surface Water Management Plan produced through Drain London, as required in the Flood and Water Management Act (2010). As SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs), boroughs will adopt and maintain approved SuDS that serve more than one property, as well as SuDS in highways.
