SuDS For Schools

Fun and engaging SuDS features in schools

SuDS in Schools

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) can transform the way schools manage rainwater and Meristem Design has years of hands-on experience designing, installing and maintaining them.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, school grounds are increasingly at risk of surface water flooding. According to government data, 66% of primary schools buildings and 83% of secondary schools buildings in England are at risk of surface-water flooding.

SuDS for Schools offer a nature-based solution that slow the flow of rainwater, filter out pollutants, and let water soak away naturally instead of overwhelming the drains.

At Meristem we work with schools, multi-academy trusts and local authorities across the UK to deliver SuDS schemes from initial site survey through to installation and aftercare.

Types of SuDS in Schools

SuDS features like planters, rain gardens, swales and permeable surfaces into school landscapes, we not only reduce flood risks but also create healthier, greener spaces where children can learn, play, and connect with nature.

SuDS Planters

SuDS Planters in schools connect directly to roof downpipes, collecting rainwater whilst providing engaging and fun features.

Rain Gardens

Vibrant and functional, rain gardens in schools capture surface water, preventing flooding and boosting biodiversity.

Hybrid Planters

Combining a rain garden and planter, the Hybrid SuDS Planter needs minimal excavation, causing less disruption.

Making SuDS fun in Schools

SuDS don't have to be purely functional. At Meristem Design, we strive to make every installation as fun and engaging as possible so they become one of the most loved features on a school site.

We design SuDS schemes with engagement built in from the start. That means planters and rain gardens with built-in seating for outdoor lessons, sensory planting that changes through the seasons, wildlife habitats that bring nature study to life, and interactive signage that helps pupils understand exactly where "their" rainwater goes.

By installing features that give them a visual way of understanding how they work, this not only improves their learning experience but enhances the look of the school ground.

Features can include: Boat races in water pipes, School children designed artwork, educational information boards, cascading water flows, bespoke water flow diverters, planted wall hoppers, clear downpipes and rain cloud inlets.

Fun engagement features for SuDS in Schools

Meristem Design focus on delivering custom SuDS systems that engage school children through fun, interactive, functional and flood-resilient features across the school grounds.

Planter seating and benches

Rain clouds and other fun graphics

Cascading downpipes

Planted downpipe hoppers

Interactive and educational signage

Wildlife habitats like bug hotels & ponds

Managing flooding for Schools

Playgrounds and hard-surfaced areas in schools estates are particularly vulnerable to flooding - with nowhere for rainwater to soak-away, even moderate storms can leave school grounds waterlogged or force lessons indoors.

Our SuDS planters, rain gardens and Hybrid SuDS Planter intercept that rainwater at source, storing it temporarily and releasing it slowly, taking the pressure off overloaded drains and sewers.

Every scheme we deliver is designed around your school's specific flood risk, ground conditions and drainage capacity.

We work alongside your Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and, where relevant, your local water company, to make sure the design meets current SuDS guidance and has long term resilience.

SuDS in Schools funding opportunities

Cost is one of the biggest barriers to schools tackling flooding. There are typically several routes schools and local authorities can use to fund SuDS projects, including grants such as the Department for Education's Schools Water Strategy scheme as well as funding channels via local authorities, water companies and Lead Local Flood Authorities as part of their surface water management plans.

Meristem Design can support you in navigating these funding routes and building a strong application. Our support includes:

Scope out flood risk and identify the right SuDS solution for the site
Identify relevant funding pots, including DfE and local authority schemes
Prepare technical documentation to support funding applications
Deliver the installation once funding is confirmed, from design to aftercare

Benefits of SuDS in Schools

For schools, the benefits go well beyond flood prevention. A well-designed SuDS scheme adds green space to the playground, supports biodiversity, and provides a ready-made outdoor classroom.

Connecting pupils to nature

SuDS bring wildlife and natural habitats into everyday school life, giving pupils regular contact with plants, water, and the creatures they attract. This everyday connection to nature has been shown to support children's wellbeing and environmental awareness from an early age.

Play and learning

A well-designed SuDS scheme doubles as an outdoor classroom, offering fresh opportunities for hands-on learning across the curriculum. From science to art, pupils can engage directly with the natural processes shaping their own school grounds.

Support climate resilience

As extreme weather becomes more common, SuDS give schools a practical, nature-based way to manage rainwater on-site. They also help pupils understand climate adaptation first-hand, turning their school grounds into a living example of sustainable design.

Creating healthier spaces

Green, planted drainage features improve air quality, reduce surface temperatures, and soften the look and feel of school grounds. The result is a more attractive, welcoming environment that supports both learning and wellbeing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get SuDS in my school?

You can get SuDS into your school through government funding, working with water companies, community groups and your local authority. Contact us for information on current funding opportunities and design, installation and maintenance support.

How can SuDS support the everyday curriculum and outdoor learning?

SuDS features provide visual opportunities for students to learn how rain water can be managed at source. With additional features like planting, nature workshops and signage, SuDS encourage pupils to take care of their green spaces and develop practical planting skills. They provide the opportunity to bring learning outside the classroom.

Can SuDS be retrofitted into an existing school, or only built into new ones?

SuDS can be retrofitted into schools, in fact most school SuDS are built into existing infrastructure. Features like rain gardens, water butts and SuDS planters can be integrated into school grounds.

What is included in our SuDS for Schools service?

We include site surveys, design, fabrication, installation and optional maintenance of bespoke SuDS features for your school. As part of our service, we offer nature workshops to students where we teach them about SuDS and help them get stuck in to plant and maintain their green spaces.

What types of SuDS in schools do we provide?

We have a range of SuDS features we can provide depending on your school’s needs and the existing infrastructure on your site, these include SuDS planters, Hybrid SuDS planters and rain gardens.

How do you choose the right SuDS feature for a school site?

Choosing the right SuDS features depend on existing infrastructure, flood risk, runoff routes and budget. We carry out site surveys to assess your school before designing SuDS features tailored to your space.

Are SuDS suitable for all types of school?

Yes, SuDS are suitable for all types of schools. As flexible solutions that take many forms such as rain gardens, SuDS planters and hybrid SuDS planters, they can be designed to fit into any landscape that requires flood alleviation.

How can SuDS improve biodiversity and green space on school grounds?

As planted features, we ensure our SuDS installations feature a diverse planting scheme complete with drought tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants to provide practical SuDS mitigation and boost biodiversity.

What are the wider benefits of SuDS in schools beyond flood prevention?

SuDS features provide educational opportunities and often enhance the appearance of the school grounds. As they are planted features, schools can get hands-on and take ownership of planting and maintaining their green spaces.

How do SuDS reduce flooding on school grounds?

SuDS features like rain gardens and SuDS planters are designed to capture surface/roof runoff, store it and slowly release it back into the drainage system. This helps relieve pressure on these systems and mitigate flood risk.

What are SuDS in schools?

SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) are nature-based solutions that manage rain water at source such as rain gardens, SuDS planters and Hybrid SuDS planters that have been implemented into school environments.

Do you need to have a SuDS installation to receive a nature workshop?

We typically deliver nature workshops at schools in which we have carried out an installation of any planting space such as planters, rain gardens, SuDS planters etc. However we also carry out seed and bulb planting nature workshops for other green spaces in school estates.

How do I find out what would work for our school?

Get in touch with our team to discuss your site, pupils and learning objectives, and we can advise on the right combination of green infrastructure and nature workshops for your setting.

Can nature gardens be used for education?

Absolutely. Schools use them to teach about ecosystems, climate resilience and sustainability, while providing pupils with hands-on and engaging experiences in a natural setting.

How do SuDS help connect students with nature?

SuDS create engaging and natural learning environments that students are able to interact with on a daily basis. Features like gardens, pollinator habitats, and outdoor learning areas can inspire curiosity about the environment and enhance play.

How do you maintain a school green space?

Maintaining SuDS solutions at schools and universities involves regular checks and cleaning of features to ensure optimal performance. Scheduled maintenance helps preserve water quality and encourages biodiversity, while also providing valuable learning opportunities for students.

What are the benefits of incorporating green spaces in schools and universities?

Incorporating green spaces in educational institutions promotes student wellbeing, improving air quality, and creating a connection with nature. These environments enhance learning experiences, support mental health, and encourage physical activity, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more engaged culture.

What are the benefits of green spaces in schools?

Parks, green spaces, and natural landscapes provide vital areas for relaxation, exercise, and recreation, allowing students to connect with nature. They also serve as habitats for wildlife, help mitigate the effects of climate change, and play a crucial role in enhancing air quality.