An eco-conscious primary school keen to play its part in reducing local flood risk has implemented a small-scale sustainable drainage system (SuDS) to manage surface water runoff.
Abbotts Ann Church of England Primary School, in the village of Abbotts Ann, near Andover, Hampshire, secured an award from the community grant scheme of Watercress & Winterbournes, a Landscape Partnership Scheme. The scheme is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and brings together 15 partners, including Wessex Rivers Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Hampshire County Council to support community initiatives that protect the chalk stream headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen.
In a project driven by an eco-team of 14 pupils and one teacher, the school developed a “slowing the flow” initiative to help manage surface water runoff onsite. The team researched sustainable drainage options, before selecting two modular rain garden planters from Sudsplanter Ltd.
Repeat flooding
Abbotts Ann and nine neighbouring parishes have experienced repeated flooding in recent years, due to factors including sewer network capacity and groundwater infiltration into the network.
During periods of peak flow, tankers have on occasion been deployed to help manage wastewater volumes that exceed the network’s capacity. Without these shipments, sewers could become overloaded and the risk of flooding and sewage pollution increases.
Alongside disruption to residents, this could impact local water quality, particularly for the Pillhill Brook, a 10km chalk stream that flows through the village before joining the River Anton and ultimately the River Test.
Abbotts Ann CE Primary School is actively engaged in hands-on environmental learning, with a strong focus on water and nature. Although the school site has not been directly affected by flooding, its eco-team is committed to making a positive contribution to the local environment.
The majority of the grant funding was invested in:
- Installation of two SuDSPlanter® rain garden units within the school’s inner courtyard, designed to intercept and attenuate roof runoff
- Integration of a cloud-tray engagement feature, creating a visible and interactive element which demonstrates how surface water is managed
The project also included installation of a water butt, design and printing of a water-saving take-home leaflet and pledge card for every pupil in the school, video explainers and eight lunchtime learning sessions led by Wessex Rivers Trust.
Unique rain gardens
SuDSPlanters are design-engineered rain gardens that intercept roof runoff via rerouted downpipes, and direct flows into a system of planters – and away from drains and sewers – during heavy rain.
The systems are designed for hard-surfaced environments such as playgrounds and car parks. Within each planter, as well as being taken up by plants, water is filtered by a specially selected, layered soil mix, temporarily stored, then released in a controlled way. The planters also provide drought resilience by retaining moisture and gradually releasing it into the soil during dry periods.
SuDSPlanters were selected for the Abbotts Ann project for their structural durability while also providing a visually attractive, engaging feature. The decision was further helped by a recommendation from a neighbouring school, which had recently installed a unit.
Outdoor learning
SuDSPlanters landscaping specialists chose pollinator-friendly plants which can be a focal point for lessons in wildlife, conservation, climate resilience and the water cycle.
Tracy Standish, Watercress & Winterbournes’ education officer at Wessex Rivers Trust, worked with the school on the project and ran educational workshops. She said: “The planters look fantastic and really complement the school environment.
“Because the installation is in a visible part of the school, we were keen for it to feel like a feature and to be functional but engaging. The project ticked lots of boxes for us and the school in terms of engagement, values and environmental education – everyone involved is proud to be doing their bit to support flood mitigation in the local community.”
Alex Stephenson, Sudsplanter director, said: “In catchments such as the River Test and River Itchen, where groundwater levels and network capacity present ongoing challenges, small-scale sustainable drainage systems can form part of a wider strategy to manage flood risk and improve water quality. In Abbotts Ann, the SuDSPlanter is not only providing flood mitigation but is also serving as a green, interactive educational tool that can support wellbeing as well as environmental learning.”
