RECYCLED WATER 'GOOD FOR FLOWERS'

At the Southover Grange Gardens in Lewes, recycled water is being used to water the annual bedding displays, which are very popular with residents and visitors alike. The water is captured in tanks from the guttering on the main house and pumped out to water the flowers.

This summer the water fountain in the Knot Garden at Southover Grange has been turned off. This is because although the fountain uses recycled water, it does occasionally need topping up due to evaporation and splashing.

The council is also looking at ways to capture additional water during the winter months into tanks in the maintenance yard of the Lewes gardens.

Next year Lewes District Council will also be using some plants that are more tolerant of dry conditions to complement the existing displays.

In the south of the district, Lewes District Council is recycling water collected at Newhaven Fort for watering some of the bedding in Seaford and Newhaven.

The water savings measures are intended to allow the council to keep maintaining the borders but using significantly less tap water, both this year and in the future.