DELIVERING SUDS PLANTERS TO 100 OF LONDON’S MOST FLOOD-PRONE SCHOOLS

More than a fifth of all London schools suffer from rainwater flooding, often causing playing fields to be waterlogged, according to the Greater London Authority. When rain water enters buildings it can cause a school to close down completely and have a major impact on pupils and staff. Due to the ever-increasing volatility of our climate we are experiencing heavier and more frequent rainfall. Across the UK, in one year alone, flooding in schools cost more than £12m in damages and resulted in 400,000 lost pupil days. These latest figures are from 2007, and we expect today's figures to be much higher.

Our Rain Garden SuDS planters (also known as gutter or stormwater planters) are a sustainable flash flood and stormwater management solution with an internal water reservoir and slow-release drainage system that collects, stores and uses roof runoff. They effectively enhance the capacity of the surface water piped drainage network by capturing and storing rainfall, allowing it to soak into the ground or be released slowly back into the piped network. The plants help to remove pollutants and improve water quality through natural processes such as phytoremediation and bioretention. In addition, SuDS planters can provide other benefits such as improved air quality, increased biodiversity, and aesthetic value.

The planters are a low-maintenance, cost effective alternative to expensive and higher maintenance SuDS groundwork alternatives.

They are particularly useful where space is limited and in areas where a significant amount of rainwater travels from rooftops directly into drains.

Last year, Meristem were awarded the Climate Resilient Schools contract by the Greater London Authority to design, build and install approximately 700 planters across London's 100 most flood-prone schools. The measures also included educating children on the importance of nature in combating global warming.