Wessex Gardens School SuDS

As part of Barnet Council’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable urban drainage, a new linear rain garden was installed outside Wessex Gardens Primary School. The project aimed to reduce surface water flooding, enhance biodiversity, and create an attractive green space for the front of the school.

Meristem Design delivered the design and planting of 72 metres of rain garden, planted with small shrubs, herbaceous perennials, native trees, and hedge species to provide structure, colour, and ecological value. The scheme also included a community planting day involving pupils and local councillors, encouraging environmental learning and community ownership.

To create a rain garden that improves local drainage, supports native biodiversity, and serves as an educational and community resource for Wessex Gardens Primary School.

Meristem Design delivered a 72-metre linear rain garden outside Wessex Gardens Primary School, planted with over 500 native hedge saplings, five trees, and a diverse mix of shrubs and perennials. The project also included a community planting day with pupils and local representatives to promote engagement and environmental learning.

The rain garden design combined sustainable drainage with native planting to create a resilient, biodiverse landscape. A wide range of species were selected for their pollinator value, seasonal colour, and suitability for wet-to-dry conditions.

The SuDS blend function with learning – capturing stormwater, supporting wildlife, and giving children hands-on experience with nature-based climate solutions.

The Wessex Gardens rain garden not only delivers environmental benefits but also fosters community pride and environmental awareness among local children. By combining flood resilience with education and ecology, the project has created a greener, more climate-conscious school environment and a valuable habitat corridor in Barnet.