Case studies

Highcrest Academy SuDS Planters

Creating resilient and interactive school environments: SuDS Planters for Highcrest Academy

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.

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.

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

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

Client

Buckinghamshire Council

Location

Sectors

Local Authorities

Education

Products & Services

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Highcrest Academy SuDS Planters

Timber SuDS Planters

Downpipe Conversions

Interactive Features

Biodiverse Planting

Improved Drainage

Enhanced Biodiversity

Pupil Engagement

Improved Outdoor Spaces

Before

After

Get in touch

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