Hounslow School Rain Gardens

As part of the Thames Water Strategic Partnership (TWSP), Meristem Design collaborated with Hounslow Council, Thames Water, and Thames21 to deliver rain gardens and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) planters at Smallberry Green Primary School and The Green School for Girls. This initiative is part of a five-year programme (2020–2025) aimed at improving surface water management and sewer capacity across the borough through nature-based solutions.

To reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity at Hounslow schools by installing SuDS rain gardens and planters that naturally manage rainfall while creating greener, healthier school environments.

Meristem Design contributed to the delivery of:

• Two rain gardens, designed to capture and manage rainwater naturally.
• Twenty-five SuDS planters, installed throughout the school grounds to absorb water, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.

Meristem Design installed bespoke SuDS features tailored to the schools’ needs including large rain gardens and multiple planters connected to roof downpipes. These SuDS aim to reduce surface water flooding, improve water quality, and enhance the amenity and biodiversity value of the environment.

The collaborative SuDS project has successfully delivered numerous benefits to the schools including mitigating flood risk, creating rich and diverse wildlife habitats, and adding interactive green spaces for the pupils and teachers.  v:

This project is a strong example of how SuDS can transform urban environments, creating climate-resilient, biodiverse, and visually appealing spaces for education.