Sutton Council is working in partnership with the South East Rivers Trust (SERT) to install Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Sutton schools. 

About SuDS

SuDS act to slow the rush of surface water run-off, such as rainwater, into our drains. This reduces flood risk in the local area. The SuDS in Sutton Schools project has identified local areas of flood risk and selected nearby sites, particularly schools, that, through the installation of SuDS, will directly lower flood risk in the target area. 

The SuDS will also improve water quality in the River Wandle, whilst the installation in schools, including features such as rain gardens and planters, will provide interest and biodiversity benefits as well as opportunities for outdoor education. 

Schools that have SuDS

in 2019, SuDS was installed at Muschamp Primary School and Harris Junior Academy in Carshalton. These SuDS will protect properties at flood risk in Hackbridge as well as addressing on-site flooding issues at the schools. 

Pupils as Muschamp Primary School recently enjoyed planting their new planters with SERT’s Education and Community Outreach Officer

Pupils from Muschamp Primary planting their new SuDS planters

Pupils from Muschamp Primary planting their new SuDS planters

Find out more

Learn more about the SuDS and the SuDS in Sutton Schools project.

Watch this short video made by local pupils, to better understand SuDS and their benefits (YouTube). 

We are grateful to our core funders on this project:

  • The Environment Agency
  • Thames Water
  • the Greener City Fund
  • Thames Restoration Fund
  • Natural Flood Management community programme

Get involved 

Creating simple SuDS can be very straightforward! If you’re interested in how to install SuDS send an email to our Sustainability Team.