We’re proud to share that Phase 2 of the Newham SuDS for Schools project is now complete! In this latest phase, Meristem Design has installed 121 SuDS planters across 18 schools in the area, creating 65m3 - equalling to 65,000L - of rainwater storage, improving flood resilience in one of London’s highest-risk boroughs.
Expanding school flood resilience
Following the success of Phase 1 where we installed 109 SuDS planters across 14 schools - 32 schools in Newham now benefit from green infrastructure that captures, stores, and slowly releases rainwater. Working in collaboration with Newham Council and supported by the DfE, the school SuDS scheme continues to enhance flood resilience, biodiversity and environmental education.
Supporting hands-on learning
Not only helping to reduce flood risk, the project has also brought edible and native planting into school environments, helping to improve urban cooling and encourage young people to engage with nature and sustainability through offering space for food growing, biodiversity and outdoor learning.
By adding these new vibrant green spaces in the school environments, the SuDS are creating a form of living labs, where children can observe ecosystem interactions up close and personal.
Biodiversity boost for urban schools
The custom SuDS planters installed across the schools create valuable and diverse habitats for local wildlife, supporting school children's learning on the importance of biodiversity in urban environments. We've planted pollinator friendly and native species, encouraging bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects to visit and create new habitats.
Environmental education in action
With 230 SuDS planters now installed across 32 Newham schools through both phases of the project, the London borough is establishing itself as a leader in school-based climate adaptation. The combined system now provides thousands of litres of rainwater storage capacity, significantly reducing pressure on local drainage systems during heavy rainfall events.
The Newham SuDS for Schools project demonstrates how targeted green infrastructure investments can deliver multiple benefits; enhancing flood resilience while creating healthier, more engaging learning environments that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
For the full list of schools completed and further images of the new SuDS installations, check out our case study. Interested in your own Sustainable Drainage System project? Get in touch with us!
