Installation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) at Bilton Community Primary School
Background:
Bilton Community Primary School is located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, an area that has been significantly affected by flooding. The community, in collaboration with the “Living with Water” initiative, is working towards reducing flood risks through innovative solutions. One such approach involves the integration of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which mimic natural drainage processes to manage water flow and mitigate flooding.
The Need:
The frequent flooding in Bilton highlighted the inadequacy of traditional drainage systems to cope with heavy rainfall. The school required a solution that would not only manage excess water effectively but also offer educational and environmental benefits. The goal was to create a safer environment for the school while providing students with an opportunity to learn about sustainability and biodiversity.
Why BioScapes SuDS and BNG Unit?
BioScapes was chosen for this project due to its expertise in creating sustainable drainage solutions that integrate seamlessly with the natural environment. The products installed included three standard High Attenuation BioScapes SuDS units and one bespoke extra-large High Attenuation unit.
These units are connected to the drainpipes around the school building, capturing rainfall from the roof and managing water flow. Designed to slow down and hold excess water during heavy rainfall, BioScapes SuDS units now provide the first link in a chain of measures to reduce immediate runoff and reduce flood risk.
Additionally, they provide habitats for wildlife, enhancing local biodiversity and offering rich educational opportunities for pupils.
Outcome:
The installation of the BioScapes SuDS units at Bilton Community Primary School have led to several positive outcomes:
1. Flood Risk Reduction: The units effectively capture and manage excess water, significantly reducing the risk of flooding on school premises.
2. Educational Benefits: Students can now engage with and learn about sustainable water management and biodiversity, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
3. Enhanced Biodiversity: The BioScapes SuDS units create habitats for a range of wildlife, contributing to local biodiversity and enhancing the school’s environment.
4. Aesthetic Improvements: The attractive planting schemes of the BioScapes SuDS units have improved the visual appeal of the school, making it a more pleasant place for students and staff.
Conclusion:
The installation of BioScapes SuDS units at Bilton Community Primary School has successfully addressed the issue of flooding while providing substantial educational and environmental benefits. This project serves as a model for integrating sustainable practices into community settings, promoting both water management and ecological awareness.
BioScapes’ Head of Nature Based Solutions, Terry Smithson, who led the installation said, “At BioScapes, we know that a strong connection with the natural world is an essential part of our childhood. Access to nature boosts creativity and increases our learning potential, creating solid foundations for our future. I am so pleased that we have been able to contribute to these enhancements at Bilton, to help people connect with nature and help reduce future flood risk.”
Comments:
Mark Hudson, Deputy Headteacher of Bilton Community Primary School said, “The new SuDS units have transformed our school grounds. Not only have we reduced the risk of flooding, but our students are now actively engaged in learning about the environment and sustainability in a hands-on way. They’ve made a fantastic addition to our school.”
Thomas Atkins, Project Leader for Mott MacDonald Bentley said “BioScapes were very supportive in helping us deliver an effective solution for managing roof run-off. The SuDS Units are compact and simple to install meaning that we could easily slot them in at a time and location which suited our larger work programme.”
To learn more about the BioScapes SuDS & BNG Unit, click here.
