Creating resilient and interactive school environments: SuDS Planters for Highcrest Academy
Project overview
We introduced retrofit SuDS features to High Crest Academy, a secondary school in High Wycombe, in response to local flooding concerns. Working with Buckinghamshire Council and the school, Meristem designed, installed and delivered tailored SuDS planters that fit seamlessly into the school grounds to enhance the environmental, visual and educational factor of the space.
Located within an area identified as being at significant risk of surface water flooding, the project combined practical drainage interventions with biodiversity and educational enhancements to create a more resilient school environment.
Goal
The project aimed to reduce surface water runoff across the school grounds by introducing sustainable drainage system features integrated into existing roof drainage systems. Alongside improving flood resilience, the scheme also planned to enhance biodiversity and create more engaging outdoor spaces for pupils and staff.
Scope
Following initial site surveys, we identified nine downpipe locations as suitable opportunities for SuDS interventions across the school. Meristem Design designed nine tailored timber SuDS planters to suit their individual locations, alongside downpipe conversions to direct roof runoff into the systems.
The project also included planting workshops with pupils to encourage interaction with their new green spaces.
Solutions
The scheme introduced a series of tailored SuDS planters designed to manage surface water runoff while creating a more engaging environment for school pupils and staff.
Timber SuDS Planters
Installed bespoke timber SuDS planters to manage roof runoff naturally at source while integrating seamlessly into the existing environment
Downpipe Conversions
Adapted existing drainage infrastructure to allow rainwater to flow directly from roof downpipes into the planters
Interactive Features
Integrated educational signage and decorative rain cloud elements to create more engaging and visually welcoming spaces for pupils
Biodiverse Planting
Incorporated a mix of herbs, grasses and shrubs selected to provide colour, texture and biodiversity value throughout the year
Impact
The project has helped improve flood resilience across the school site while creating greener and more interactive outdoor environments. The scheme combined practical drainage improvements with biodiversity and educational benefits for the wider school community.
Improved Drainage
Helped to reduce surface water runoff and flooding across key areas of the school through SuDS
Enhanced Biodiversity
Introduced a variety of planting to support pollinators and contribute to a greener school environment
Pupil Engagement
Created opportunities for pupils through interactive elements to engage directly with planting, sustainability and water management
Improved Outdoor Spaces
Enhanced the appearance and usability of the school grounds through integrated blue and green infrastructure features
Before
After
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If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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