Created by designer John Howlett, the Japanese-inspired garden features monochromatic planting, a sculptural pergola, and shaded seating
Credit: Marina Walker
An award-winning flood-resilient rain garden has been permanently relocated to Coppermill Primary School in Walthamstow.
The garden, winner of a Gold Medal at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, is designed to combat the flood issues experienced by the school, and now doubles as a calming, shaded sanctuary for pupils and teachers alike.
Nestled near the Walthamstow Wetlands, the garden offers a hands-on learning space where children can explore nature, understand flood resilience, and enjoy a peaceful environment that supports wellbeing and play.
Created by designer John Howlett and rebuilt by Acacia Gardens with the help of volunteers, the Japanese-inspired garden features monochromatic planting, a sculptural pergola, and shaded seating. At its centre, a large swale with permeable Corten steel walkways demonstrates sustainable water management, linking the school to the surrounding wetlands and encouraging biodiversity.
Designer John Howlett (centre), with Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy (right) and Kelly Ostler-Coyle from Flood Re, Credit: Marina Walker
Sponsored by Flood Re – the joint initiative between the UK Government and the insurance industry – the garden is a working example of the initiative’s Build Back Better scheme, which offers up to £10,000 to eligible homeowners for flood resilience measures.
Kelly Ostler-Coyle, director of Corporate Affairs at Flood Re, commented: “We’re proud to see the rain garden take root at Coppermill Primary School. It’s more than just a beautiful space – it’s a practical, educational tool that will help hundreds of children understand the importance of flood resilience. Moreover, it shows how simple solutions can help to prevent flooding by building back better.”
John Howlett, garden designer said: “I’m thrilled to see my RHS Gold medal-winning garden find its forever home at Coppermill Primary School. Every child deserves access to a beautiful green space. I hope this garden sparks curiosity, supports mental health, and becomes a place of joy and calm for generations to come.”
Figen Bektasoglu, headteacher at Coppermill Primary School added: “The rain garden has transformed a corner of our school into a peaceful, shaded haven where children can learn, play, and connect with nature. It’s not just beautiful – it’s a powerful tool for teaching our pupils about climate resilience and the importance of protecting our environment.”
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
Comments are closed.