Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, New Hinksey CE Primary School
Project Details
Sector: Education
Location: New Hinksey, Oxford
Date: Autumn 2025
Situation
A SuDSPlanter® system designed to prevent flooding, store rainwater and create green space was installed at New Hinksey CE Primary School, Oxford.
The system was installed in a project funded by the Department for Education’s contribution to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, a partnership working to reduce flood risk to properties from the River Thames.
New Hinksey is in a river valley, which makes it susceptible to flooding from the river and its tributaries. The area also experiences sewer flooding during periods of heavy rain when the drains become overwhelmed.
Schools can be particularly prone to flooding, due to their extensive hard-surfaced areas, such as playgrounds, sports pitches and car parks.
Task
Primary objectives:
- Implement SuDs to reduce surface water flooding on school grounds and help manage wider flood risk in New Hinksey.
- Enhance on-site biodiversity and create green spaces for environmental education.
- Engage young people in environmental stewardship and water conservation.
- Select plants that will thrive in local conditions and can be cared for by pupils
Action
Design and Installation:
Sudsplanter worked with Oxford City Council, a scheme partner, to install a bespoke system of 12 planters, each with specially selected plants and flowers. The units were engineered to capture and manage rainwater runoff at strategic locations. Designs were based on the square-meterage of each roof and the calculated volumes of rainwater expected to drain into the system.
Suitable plants were selected by Sudsplanter landscaping experts, based on location and aspect. Additional creative components such as cloud trays, cascade features and watering cans provided.
Educational integration:
Schools received an education pack and plant handbook, developed by SuDSPlanter’s environmental specialists. The provision of educational resources supports learning in topics such as the water cycle, water-saving, weather and climate change, gardening, growing and caring for the natural world.
Partnership development:
Positive relationships were built with scheme partners and the school community, which was enthusiastic and engaged. This collaboration facilitated awareness-raising activities and highlighted the importance of sustainable water management in schools.
Result
Flood reduction:
Over 4.7m3 of water storage was created, incorporating almost 8 tonnes of unique SuDSPlanter soil, providing attenuation, filtration, water storage and habitat.
Enhanced biodiversity:
In addition, the planters have created 11m2 of greening within the school playground, turning hard surfaces into living classrooms where pupils learn about sustainability first-hand.
Community:
New Hinksey CE Primary School held a SuDs celebration event, inviting the school community and project partners. Headteacher Tamsin Smyth told Sudsplanter the planters made a tangible difference, by reducing build-up of surface water on hard surfaces during heavy rain.
Summary
The New Hinksey project shows how SuDSPlanters can deliver practical flood alleviation, meaningful green space and hands-on environmental learning in a location vulnerable to flooding. By capturing and storing roof runoff, the system is making a measurable difference to school life. In addition, the planters have created new habitat, enhanced biodiversity and provided pupils with a living classroom.
Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, New Hinksey CE Primary School
Project Details
Sector: Education
Location: New Hinksey, Oxford
Date: Autumn 2025
Situation
A SuDSPlanter® system designed to prevent flooding, store rainwater and create green space was installed at New Hinksey CE Primary School, Oxford.
The system was installed in a project funded by the Department for Education’s contribution to the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme, a partnership working to reduce flood risk to properties from the River Thames.
New Hinksey is in a river valley, which makes it susceptible to flooding from the river and its tributaries. The area also experiences sewer flooding during periods of heavy rain when the drains become overwhelmed.
Schools can be particularly prone to flooding, due to their extensive hard-surfaced areas, such as playgrounds, sports pitches and car parks.
Task
Primary objectives:
- Implement SuDs to reduce surface water flooding on school grounds and help manage wider flood risk in New Hinksey.
- Enhance on-site biodiversity and create green spaces for environmental education.
- Engage young people in environmental stewardship and water conservation.
- Select plants that will thrive in local conditions and can be cared for by pupils
Action
Design and Installation:
Sudsplanter worked with Oxford City Council, a scheme partner, to install a bespoke system of 12 planters, each with specially selected plants and flowers. The units were engineered to capture and manage rainwater runoff at strategic locations. Designs were based on the square-meterage of each roof and the calculated volumes of rainwater expected to drain into the system.
Suitable plants were selected by Sudsplanter landscaping experts, based on location and aspect. Additional creative components such as cloud trays, cascade features and watering cans provided.
Educational integration:
Schools received an education pack and plant handbook, developed by SuDSPlanter’s environmental specialists. The provision of educational resources supports learning in topics such as the water cycle, water-saving, weather and climate change, gardening, growing and caring for the natural world.
Partnership development:
Positive relationships were built with scheme partners and the school community, which was enthusiastic and engaged. This collaboration facilitated awareness-raising activities and highlighted the importance of sustainable water management in schools.
Result
Flood reduction:
Over 4.7m3 of water storage was created, incorporating almost 8 tonnes of unique SuDSPlanter soil, providing attenuation, filtration, water storage and habitat.
Enhanced biodiversity:
In addition, the planters have created 11m2 of greening within the school playground, turning hard surfaces into living classrooms where pupils learn about sustainability first-hand.
Community:
New Hinksey CE Primary School held a SuDs celebration event, inviting the school community and project partners. Headteacher Tamsin Smyth told Sudsplanter the planters made a tangible difference, by reducing build-up of surface water on hard surfaces during heavy rain.
Summary
The New Hinksey project shows how SuDSPlanters can deliver practical flood alleviation, meaningful green space and hands-on environmental learning in a location vulnerable to flooding. By capturing and storing roof runoff, the system is making a measurable difference to school life. In addition, the planters have created new habitat, enhanced biodiversity and provided pupils with a living classroom.
Recent Educational Case Studies
Yorkshire Water Schools Partnership
New Hinksey CE Primary School
Castle Hills Primary Academy, Doncaster
Project at Merstham Primary School
Southern Water IOW Pathfinder Project
More questions?
Why not drop us an email if you have any further questions or require any more information.
More Questions?
Why not drop us an email if you have any further questions or require any more information.