Pupils get hands-on with nature as flood-busting planters take root at Lightmoor Village Primary School
Children at Lightmoor Village Primary School have been getting their hands dirty this week, planting greenery in new Sustainable urban Drainage System (SuDS) planters installed in the school grounds as part of a wider package of drainage improvements to tackle waterlogging in the area.
The works were carried out after water was found to be pooling within the playground area, causing problems for nearby buildings. Alongside the new SuDS planters, the project has included more general drainage improvements and the installation of permeable surfacing, helping rainwater to drain more effectively and reducing the risk of water pooling on site.
The SuDS planters are designed to capture and retain rainwater, while the planting within them naturally absorbs excess water, helping to reduce flooding risk on site. Together, these measures will help improve how surface water is managed across the site and reduce the risk of flooding. The installation works were carefully coordinated with the school over the summer holidays to minimise disruption to pupils and staff.
With the planters now in place, pupils have taken on the next stage of the project themselves, planting a range of greenery onsite. The activity has given children a hands-on introduction to sustainability, biodiversity and flood management, as well as an insight into the practical work the Council does to protect the environment.
Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: "It's fantastic to see the improvements at Lightmoor Village Primary School helping to manage rainwater and reduce flood risk, while also giving pupils a brilliant, hands-on way to learn about sustainability and how the Council works to protect our environment.
"The new SuDS planters are part of wider drainage improvements at the site, including permeable surfacing, and it's great to see the children now getting involved and bringing the planters to life. Projects like this show how practical infrastructure improvements can also become genuine learning opportunities for our young people."
Lucy Cowan, Head Teacher at Lightmoor Village Primary School, said: "Our pupils have loved getting involved in planting the new SuDS planters.
“It's given them a real understanding of where rainwater goes and why it matters, and they've enjoyed learning about biodiversity along the way.
“It's been a wonderful, practical way for the children to see how the Council works to look after our environment, and they're really proud of the part they've played in the project."
This project work is part of the Council’s £91m investment into highways, including flood risk management, and will form work that protects, cares and invests into the wider Borough.