Who are they? Friends of Sutton Downs (FOSD) aims to provide a means for local people to become involved in this neighbourhood green space, and to secure a future for this special place as a nature friendly resource for the whole community.

Their pitch: By adding interpretive artwork to the popular existing rain garden it will be easier to understand how rain gardens work and how to build one at home. An extra downpipe and new channel will demonstrate that the roof water is used to water the plants – bringing beauty and biodiversity. A water refill station will make it easy to avoid single use plastic bottles and prevent littering. It will raise awareness of the inter-related issues of water use, climate change, and pollution.

Engaging all visitors will reach a wider audience and promote an interest in the wellbeing that renaturing the whole site brings. Besides making the site more attractive to visitors, our volunteering opportunities are designed to promote active involvement.

The project is permanent and, thanks to effective rain water management, the planting improves all the time.

Their short film: