Protecting Brighton’s Drinking Water: The Wild Park Rainscape Project

At H2Ogeo, we’re always inspired by projects that blend environmental science, hydrogeological understanding, and natural engineering to safeguard the water resources we all depend on. The new Wild Park rainscape, on the edge of Brighton beside the A27, is a brilliant example of exactly that — protecting one of the South East’s most vital groundwater sources through innovation and collaboration.

Every rainfall event generates runoff that carries oil residues, tyre fragments, heavy metals, and microplastics from our road surfaces. Without intervention, this polluted water can infiltrate into the Chalk aquifer — the same aquifer that supplies over 90% of Brighton’s drinking water. Recognising the scale of this challenge, the University of Brighton and Brighton & Hove City Council have joined forces to create a living landscape that filters stormwater before it reaches the groundwater table.

The rainscape uses a series of natural treatment features — including reed beds, wetland plants, trees, and wildflower meadows — to capture and cleanse runoff from the A27. Water is guided along a 1.9 km flow path, passing through multiple filtration stages that trap sediments and bind contaminants such as lead, chromium, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Early laboratory tests have shown that the system can capture a significant proportion of these pollutants before they enter the soil, providing a tangible defence for the city’s aquifer.

What makes the project truly exciting is its longevity and multi-benefit approach. It not only protects groundwater but also reduces flood risk, enhances local biodiversity, and creates an attractive green space for the community. Ongoing monitoring by the University of Brighton team will measure improvements in water quality and ecological value over the coming years — providing valuable data to inform similar nature-based solutions across the UK.

At H2Ogeo, we applaud the innovation behind the Wild Park rainscape and the commitment of those driving it forward. It’s a strong reminder that by working with nature, we can create resilient systems that protect both people and the environment — ensuring that the water flowing beneath our feet remains clean, secure, and sustainable for generations to come.

SOURCE: Project in Brighton to protect drinking water from pollution - BBC News