This week is Flood Action Week - a crucial moment to highlight the rising risk of flooding in our cities, and the vital role green infrastructure plays in building flood resilience.
Scotts/Morley Road Rain Gardens
As rainfall is becoming more extreme and unpredictable due to climate change, the UK is facing more frequent and intense flash floods, particularly in urban centres like London, where hard surfaces and older drainage systems are struggling to keep up.
According to government data, over 4.6 million properties in England are at risk of surface water flooding. In the capital, surface water flooding and flash flooding is now considered the most likely and disruptive flood threat. That’s why strategies like SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) are becoming an essential part of how we protect our streets, schools, and communities.
Redlees Park Hybrid SuDS Planters
Old Oak Primary School SuDS Planters
Our Role in Building Flood-Resilient Cities
At Meristem, we specialise in building SuDS landscapes that create greener, smarter spaces to actively mitigate flood risk whilst also improving biodiversity and wellbeing.
Our bespoke SuDS Planters and Rain Gardens are already at work across London, helping to manage surface water runoff in schools, streets and public spaces. Their features slow and absorb rainwater to reducing pressure on drainage systems and cut the risk of flash floods.
We align closely with the London Surface Water Strategy, which outlines six guiding principles to reduce flood risk by prioritising nature-based solutions such as SuDS and improved future-planning. Our SuDS projects and tangible installations bring these principles to life in practical, visible ways.
Wadley Road Rain Gardens
Kenilworth Green Nature Garden
What to Expect from Flood Week
Throughout Flood Action Week, we’ll be sharing expert-led, accessible content across our website and social media to explore the following themes:
- How SuDS in schools can support education and improve learning environments.
- How we can transform pockets of our urban areas to support flood mitigation and social wellbeing.
- How our Hybrid SuDS Planter combines smart drainage with green infrastructure to tackle flash flooding in dense urban settings.
- The vital role of maintenance in ensuring SuDS and green infrastructure continue to deliver long-term flood resilience.
Follow along and don’t miss out as we explore how cities like London are building resilience against flash flooding and surface water challenges.
