Eleven new planters designed to manage rainwater and create green spaces for nature have been installed at New Hinksey CE Primary School in Oxford.
The final plants were installed by supplier SuDSPlanter Ltd at a launch event at the school on Tuesday 21st October, with pupils, parents, councillors and school staff in attendance.
The innovative “sustainable drainage system” (SuDS) planters capture and slow rainwater runoff from hard surfaces like playgrounds and roofs, instead of directly into the drains. The planter is made up of a special series of layers, acting as both a sponge and a natural filter, slowing the flow and removing sediment as the water soaks through to the reservoir below.
They will also provide new habitats for plants, benefiting pollinators and biodiversity. The planters have been filled with a mix of pollinator-friendly plants and hardy grasses, and offer pupils the chance to learn more about climate change, flooding and nature through hands-on experience in their own environment.
New Hinksey School is in an area at risk of flooding from several sources - rivers, groundwater, and surface water. Additionally, the wider New Hinksey area experiences flooding from sewers, when they become overwhelmed in times of heavy rain. The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will protect the area from river and groundwater flooding, and the School SuDS will reduce surface water and sewer flood risk. This is done by managing surface water more sustainably, retaining it on site within the planters, and therefore reducing the amount entering the sewer system.
The £50k project was funded by the Department for Education’s contribution to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme. Oxford City Council, a scheme partner, worked with the school and contractor SuDSPlanter Ltd to devise and deliver the planters on site.
Education and engagement
Year 5 and 6 pupils at New Hinksey will also receive a flood risk lesson from the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme next month.
All schools within the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme area can book a free interactive session or assembly. For more information, get in touch.
Comment
“The SuDS planters are making a real difference to our school and our community; improving drainage, reducing flood risk, and encouraging wildlife. They’ve turned hard surfaces into living classrooms where our pupils learn about sustainability first-hand. We’re proud to be helping create a greener, more resilient urban environment.”
Tamsin Smyth, Headteacher at New Hinksey Primary School
“New Hinksey is one of the areas in Oxford that’s particularly vulnerable to flooding, so it’s great to see practical solutions like these SuDS planters making a difference locally. They don’t just help to manage rainwater — they also bring more greenery and biodiversity into the school grounds. It also helps inspire the next generation to think about how we can adapt to climate change.”
Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council
“We are really pleased to work with the Department for Education to provide funding for this scheme, as part of their wider contribution to reducing flood risk in Oxford. The Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme will reduce the risk of flooding from the River Thames, but it is important to consider all sources of flooding in the city. Initiatives like this, which help capture rainfall and reduce surface water flooding, are vital in urban areas.”
Emma Formoy, Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, Environment Agency
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