According to government data, 66% of primary schools buildings and 83% of secondary schools buildings in England are at risk of surface-water flooding. As urban environments become increasingly widespread, the issue of surface water runoff is becoming more serious, especially in school playgrounds where concrete and other hard surfaces dominate. With the future of flooding in the hands of the next generation, it is vital that we create flood resilient, greener spaces for young people and teach the importance of implementing flood preventative features.
The Green School for Girls, Hounslow. Rain Garden
How SuDS Planters and Rain Gardens Support Learning and Climate Resilience
SuDS Planters and Rain Gardens increase green spaces and offer a practical solution to manage the risk of localised flooding and educate the next generation. They capture and slow rainwater, helping to reduce flooding while also transforming grey areas into greener, more engaging spaces for children to play and learn. These features support flood resilience, encourage outdoor learning, improve wellbeing, and help children connect with nature.
St. Augustine's Primary School, Westminster. SuDS Planters
SuDS planters in school playgrounds help manage rainwater by capturing and slowing runoff from impermeable surfaces such as from roofs to ground, reducing the risk of flooding. It transforms areas of the playground into a greener and safer space for children to explore and enjoy. These planters give children the chance to plant and look after their spaces whilst learning about flood mitigation, nature, and sustainability through hands-on experiences. As well as improving drainage, planters act as visual focal points and promote wellbeing in a safe, educational environment.
Connecting Pupils to Nature through Green Infrastructure
Rain Gardens offer a larger-scale approach to sustainable drainage. These shallow planted areas collect and absorb rainwater from hard surfaces like tarmac and paving. With plants that thrive in varying conditions, they help manage runoff, support pollinators, and increase biodiversity, while giving pupils the chance to observe nature and sustainability in action
Wessex Gardens Primary School, Barnet. Rain Gardens
Bringing SuDS to Life through Play and Learning
SuDS planters do more than manage water, they can spark curiosity and creativity in young people. With interactive features like cloud shaped inlets, colourful downpipes, and mini boat races, students can see and interact with how rainwater moves and is managed.
These playful elements turn rainfall into a learning opportunity, helping pupils understand sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
Ocklynge Junior School SuDS
East Sussex School SuDS
By integrating SuDS features like planters and rain gardens into school landscapes, we not only reduce flood risks but also create healthier, greener spaces where children can learn, play, and connect with nature. These nature-based solutions are a simple yet powerful way to build climate resilience from the ground up, starting with our schools.
