Summary 

By capturing and managing stormwater at source, this project at the Made Forever community building will deliver ecological protection, flood mitigation, and community engagement. Across a year, this system could capture and prevent the rapid discharge of around 500,000 litres of stormwater runoff into the Warmley Brook, providing a practical, replicable model for climate resilience and nature recovery. 

The Problem 

The historic Warmley Brook is an important resource for nature in this area.  The Brook and its banks provide habitat for freshwater species, amphibians, insects, birds and mammals. It provides a north south linear route allowing species to move between different green spaces across the area, connecting with the Siston Brook to the south and on down to the River Avon. 

When it rains heavily, stormwater flows into the Brook from the surrounding impermeable surfaces of our roads and buildings. This stormwater washing off surfaces often carries a cocktail of pollutants, but even comparatively clean runoff from roof gutters causes significant problems.  

The rapid onslaught of thousands of litres of stormwater rushing in through discharge pipes damages the structure and ecology of the Brook. Vegetation, soils, the young and the larvae of different species can all be swept away with the sudden flood.  

It also adds to the risk of flooding further downstream. As the Brook quickly fills and the rate of flow accelerates downstream, a storm can quickly become a flood, with devastating impacts for those affected. Our changing climate means that storms are becoming more frequent and more severe and action is needed to protect freshwater ecology and our homes and communities.  

The Proposed Solution  

The solution is to capture and store as much of the rain fall as possible, before it reaches the Brook. It can then be slowly released when it stops raining and the flood risk has reduced. 

The large roof surface of the Made Forever building provides a great opportunity to implement this kind of approach. Currently rainwater from the 830M2 roof flows into gutters and downpipes and from there is carried by pipe straight into the Brook. The runoff from this roof alone discharges around 630,000 litres into the Brook every year. 

By diverting the downpipes into strong, specially designed steel-framed planters, rainwater will be captured, cleaned, stored, and slowly released when the storm has passed. Stocked with beautiful plants, the planters will provide habitat for wildlife and enhance the community garden, looked after by the centre’s own Gardening Group. This system will prevent over half a million litres of water from entering the Brook annually, easing flood pressure and protecting its ecology. 

Why it Matters 

This project reduces flood risk, safeguards freshwater habitats, and supports biodiversity. It also demonstrates practical climate adaptation in action, visible to thousands of visitors to the Made Forever hub each year. As a trusted community charity, Kingsmeadow@Made Forever can showcase the approach, raising awareness and inspiring replication across the wider Warmley Brook catchment. The initiative not only protects nature but also strengthens community resilience and wellbeing.

Help Kingsmeadow@Made Forever protect the Warmley Brook.