We’re proud to announce that the Blue Heart SuDS for Schools partnership has won the Outstanding SuDS Team award at the 2025 susdrain SuDS Awards, hosted by CIRIA.
The national award recognises the strength of our partnership with East Sussex County Council and other delivery partners to implement sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) across schools in the Eastbourne and Southern Wealden region.
The project is part of the Blue Heart programme, supported and funded by Defra, Southern Water, Environment Agency, Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP) and the Department for Education which saw the installation of a network of colourful, nature-based SuDS features in school grounds - including SuDS planters and rain gardens.
These interventions not only reduce flood risk and improve water management, but also enhance biodiversity, support climate resilience, and serve as hands-on learning tools for pupils.
So far the project has achieved:
- Engagement with 2,051 students through interactive workshops
- Completion of 8 school installations (toward a 32-school goal)
- Creation of 10 bespoke "feature SuDS pieces" incorporating student designs
- Installation of 89 custom SuDS planters, 1 rain garden, and 9 water butts
- Attenuation of over 45,000L of stormwater
Take a look at the project video here that shows the fun and understanding from the school
children about the importance of flood resilience in their schools and hear from the passionate
project partners on the SuDS project experience.
Judges praised the project for:
- “The evident passion behind this project, particularly in its outstanding community engagement and commitment to going above and beyond.”
- “A pioneering approach, using catchment-scale thinking and co-design principles that reflect best practice in the field.”
- “Delivering a meaningful legacy beyond the original brief, including carbon reduction and educational outreach.”
Meristem Design was proud to lead on the build and installation of bespoke SuDS planters - built for both function and fun. Our work focused on delivering sustainable drainage that’s visible, educational and inspiring to the children and communities who interact with it daily.
This award win reinforces the power of collaboration in designing nature-based solutions that support people and the planet. We’re honoured to have been part of a project that puts SuDS into schools, stories, and everyday life.
If you're interested in delivering a similar scheme or would like to implement SuDS, get in touch with us now!
