How it works
Here at the Park, Highwood’s Managing Director explained to BBC South Today how the Park’s 18 ponds, of which four are permanently wet, and five swales, effectively and sustainably manage surface water run-off for all 1,200 new homes, primary school, local centre and café, office buildings and care village.
The interconnecting ponds and swales are carefully designed to collect, reduce and treat the surface water run-off generated by the development and thus slow down the amount of surface water going back into local watercourses at Monks Brook, as well as help combat excess stormwater going into the sewerage systems.
Improving water quality and biodiversity
Another benefit of the ponds and swales at the Park is that its planting acts as a natural water purifier with many other environmental and biodiversity benefits.
The ponds are filled with marginal and aquatic plants such as reed beds and floating islands to purify and enrich the treatment process of the water run-off. The adjacent banks and land running alongside footpaths also feature long grasses and wildflower meadows to enhance biodiversity and encourage natural habitat and wildlife.
Other benefits for the whole community
There are other benefits for the whole community too… the ponds and wetlands not only enhance the development’s aesthetic appeal, but they also help create better communities through social cohesion and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents and local community.
Little ones can also learn from the scheme! The ponds are regularly used for education purposes, providing a fantastic outdoor learning opportunity and additional recreational space for the local Stoneham Park Primary Academy.
Highwood’s Commitment to building sustainably
Highwood is committed to build sensitively and sustainably. The homes at the Park have all been designed to reduce their impact on the environment. To read more about some of the key features in our energy-saving sustainable homes, click here.