NEWHALL DUCKS INITIATIVE
NEWHALL LAKE & FEED DUCKS INITIATIVE
More Than Just a Lake: Newhall Lake is a picturesque body of water located in Newhall, Harlow, Essex, providing a tranquil and scenic landscape for the surrounding area. The lake is an integral part of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) that serves the Newhall and Church Langley neighbourhoods.
The SUDS is designed to efficiently manage urban stormwater runoff while minimising the impact on the local ecosystem. The system utilises a network of constructed wetlands, ponds, and reed beds to treat and filter runoff before it enters natural watercourses. This approach helps to prevent pollution and reduce the risk of flooding in the area.
Newhall Lake plays a crucial role in this system by acting as a storage basin for excess water during heavy rainfall events. The SUDS pumps water from the lake, reed beds, fields and streams into a nearby brook, ensuring that water levels remain stable and properties in the area are protected from flooding.
The innovative design of Harlow’s SUDS has made it a model for sustainable urban drainage systems across the UK, demonstrating how green infrastructure strategies can effectively manage stormwater while providing environmental and aesthetic benefits to the community.
