EWSC Project Reports

The Enabling Water Smart Communities (EWSC) project has explored the potential to establish a Climate Resilient Gardens Accreditation Scheme for new housing developments, setting a clear benchmark for how residential landscapes must perform in a changing climate.

The scheme looks to drive the delivery of gardens that withstand hotter, drier summers with minimal irrigation, while remaining robust, functional, and flood-resilient through wetter winters. The project is built on strong collaboration, bringing together developers via the Future Homes Hub, the RHS, and leading horticultural professionals.

The outcome is a step change in how gardens are designed and delivered, supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term environmental wellbeing, while helping new developments adapt to the realities of climate change from day one.