The Future Landscape Trust, in collaboration with Green Curves Design and Landplanner, has launched the Future Trust project to mitigate flooding in Pett Level, East Sussex. Covering 797 hectares, this initiative addresses the village’s increasing flood risk, worsened by climate changes. The project uses regenerative, nature-based solutions to enhance flood resilience while providing environmental, societal, and ecological benefits.
Central to the project is RhinoLands, a specialized software for landscape design that uses BIM technology. RhinoLands offers tools for 2D technical drawings, 3D modeling, and photorealistic imagery. Features such as terrain importation and an extensive plant database were invaluable in planning and modeling.
A comprehensive topographic survey and flood analysis was conducted. This enabled effective interventions, like enhancing ground cover to improve water absorption and constructing mini “leaky dams” to retain water during heavy rains.
RhinoLands facilitated the creation of accurate 3D watershed models, including waterline indications to illustrate drainage basin concepts. These models were crucial for visualizing the terrain and proposed interventions, aiding communication with stakeholders. Integration with Grasshopper allowed advanced parametric design and analysis, streamlining the complex task of modeling natural landscapes and hydrological dynamics.
The project also used QGIS, Ladybug, and Photoshop to model, analyze, and visualize design interventions. These tools supported the creation of 3D map visuals and remote models using high-resolution public data topography, ensuring precise planning.
Community engagement was vital to the Future Trust project. Partners included the Marsham Brook Lane Residents Association, the RSPCA, local parish councils, High Weald National Landscape, the South East Rivers Trust, Southern Water, and the Environment Agency. This collaboration ensured that solutions were technically sound and met local stakeholders’ needs.
Despite challenges in managing complex hydrological data and incorporating community inputs, the project team navigated these hurdles using sophisticated software applications. RhinoLands was crucial in achieving the project’s goals, demonstrating how advanced landscape design tools can address environmental challenges.
The Future Trust project showcases the power of technology and community collaboration in creating sustainable and resilient environments. Protecting Pett Level from future floods sets a precedent for similar initiatives in other vulnerable coastal regions, highlighting the potential of innovative landscape design in environmental management.
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