South East Rivers Trust (& the Wandle Trust)

Making Sutton’s schools rainwater friendly!

SuDS in Sutton’s Schools

The South East Rivers Trust and Sutton Council are working in partnership on the SuDS in Sutton’s Schools project.  Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are measures that slow the flow of rainwater rushing to the drains.  The SuDS in Sutton’s Schools (SiSS) project is installing SuDS in schools in and around Carshalton to reduce flood risk in the area.

Why install SuDS in schools?

The SuDS in Sutton’s Schools (SiSS) project will be installing SuDS in local schools:

  • To reduce flood risk
  • To ensure water entering the River Wandle is cleaner
  • To save water from going straight down the drain
  • To improve playgrounds spaces with new and interesting features
  • To increase opportunities for cross-curricular outdoor education
  • To improve the area for wildlife
  • To educate pupils and the wider community about water issues

Why are SuDS needed?

In a natural landscape, rainwater is able to be useful. It can soak into the ground so plants can use it. It pools in ponds and wetlands, creating wildlife habitats.  Some of it soaks deep into the earth where it is stored as groundwater.  A small amount of rainwater becomes surface water runoff, flowing into rivers and out to sea.  However, as more and more of the natural landscape is built over, this natural flow of water is disrupted. 

In built up areas, rainwater is prevented from soaking into the ground. Most rainwater becomes runoff. The rainwater that lands on the Wandle Valley’s roofs, roads, pavements and parking lots rushes to the drains which empty out into the River Wandle. Not only could the river burst its banks but drains could overflow.  The drainage network was not built to cope with all this runoff. SuDS aim to restore the natural water cycle, allowing rainwater to soak in.  For more information click on the links below.

How SuDS work?

Learning resources 

Case studies

What you can do