ClimateAugust 24, 2026
swales
SWAYLZ
Definition
Shallow, often vegetated, man-made channels or depressions designed to capture, slow, and manage the flow of rainwater across a landscape.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle English 'swale,' meaning a low place or a shade, which itself likely comes from Old English or Middle Low German roots related to valleys or low-lying land.
In the news
The article mentions swales as part of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) used in landscaping to help absorb heavy rainfall naturally rather than allowing it to runoff into drains.
Future-Proofing Your Garden For A Changing UK Climate
Read the full article ↗The Landscaper Magazine