Flowers not floods in Seven Local Schools
Water Sensitive Cambridge’s SuDS in Cambridgeshire Schools project transforms hard, impermeable school grounds into climate-resilient, nature-friendly learning environments. Designed to tackle the persistent nuisance of standing water, the initiative installs sustainable drainage systems – such as rain gardens, water butts, and “SlowFlow” SuDS planters connected to downpipes.
Beyond improving drainage at the school sites and creating amenities, the project places fun, active engagement at its core. Through assemblies, hands-on planting sessions and workshops, children explore the water cycle and nature-based solutions. Students learn how heavier rains in a changing climate overwhelm traditional drains and can lead to pollution of local rivers. By actively involving younger children with planting – some who never had planted anything before – and older students in planning and building of these green features, the project empowers the eco-citizens of the future, reducing playground puddles and turning rainfall events into practical lessons on water management, urban biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.
This project was supported by the River Cam CAN (Climate Action through Nature) project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Cambridge City Council’s North Cambridge Shared Prosperity Fund, and the Department for Education’s ‘SuDS for Schools’ Programme 2025/2026.
| Dates | 2024-2025 |
| Status | Complete |
| Area of habitat created or improved | Urban school grounds, playgrounds, rooftop runoff catchments, and micro-scale rain gardens / wildlife planters across participating Cambridgeshire schools |
| Location | Seven Schools in the Greater Cambridge Area: Mayfield Primary School, Shirley Primary School, St. Matthew’s Primary School, Orchard Park Primary School, Fulbourn Primary School, Parkside Community College, Icknield Primary School. |
