Our garden has truly helped our wellbeing and encouraged us to use gardening as a form of physiotherapy exercise. Having our SuDSPlanters has enabled us to make more friends with our neighbouring community, who stop and chat and offer advice.

Our garden, with the support and encouragement from Sudsplanter and Southern Water, with Southern Housing teams, has reignited our passion for gardening.

Southern Water, Southern Housing, Bucklers View

Our garden has truly helped our wellbeing and encouraged us to use gardening as a form of physiotherapy exercise. Having our SuDSPlanters has enabled us to make more friends with our neighbouring community, who stop and chat and offer advice.

Our garden, with the support and encouragement from Sudsplanter and Southern Water, with Southern Housing teams, has reignited our passion for gardening.

Project Details

Sector: Residential
Location: Isle of Wight
Client: Souther Water
Date: February 2023

Situation

Sudsplanter Ltd partnered with Southern Water to deliver a sustainable drainage network at a supported housing complex on the Isle of Wight.

Southern Water is implementing a series of nature-based and engineered solutions on the Isle of Wight to reduce storm overflows into surface waters. These initiatives form part of the utility’s wider Pathfinder Project to reduce the volume of rainwater entering the wastewater network.

Sudsplanter supplied more than 250 SuDSPlanter® units across strategic sites including Bucklers View, a supported home for older people in Cowes, managed by Southern Housing.

Bucklers View was identified as an ideal location due to its position at the upper end of the catchment, large roof area and multiple downpipes that could be disconnected and redirected.

Large-roofed buildings like those in supported housing complexes generate significant surface water run-off, making them ideal locations for sustainable drainage systems.

Task

Design and install a network of sustainable drainage planters to slow the flow of stormwater, filter sediment and store excess flows for use during dry spells.

Create an accessible, visually appealing planter system to enhance community wellbeing and improve biodiversity.

Select range of plants most suitable for local conditions that can be cared for by residents.

Action

Design and installation:
Sudsplanter provided a network of 12 bespoke planters made from 100% sustainable, recyclable materials. The system was designed with accessibility in mind. Unit size was determined using hydraulic modelling, calculating the property’s roof area and the volume of rainfall expected to enter the system.

Landscaping:
Sudsplanter’s landscaping experts provided a range of plants to suit site location and aspect. Specially formulated soil mixes provided the optimum environment for supporting healthy plants and holding water.

Partnership Development:
The team worked closely with Southern Water’s engineers, while engaging with Southern Housing and residents, who were enthusiastic about the planters, giving positive feedback during a follow-up visit.

Result

Flood reduction:
By capturing and reusing roof run-off, the SuDSPlanter system has reduced the risk of surface water flooding, created valuable habitats for wildlife and enhanced the green environment for residents. In total, the system is capable of diverting 5,300 litres of rainwater away from the sewers during storms.

Enhanced wellbeing:
The planter system has also transformed communal outdoor spaces for residents, who have credited it with improving their physical and mental wellbeing. Elevated units – accessible to those with mobility problems – support physical activity and social connection helping build an inclusive green space residents are proud of.

Community engagement:
This engagement led to Bucklers View entering the 2025 and 2024 Isle of Wight in Bloom garden competition and being named the Best Care Giving Complex Garden for both years. Judges said they were impressed by the planters and praised the care given to the garden by residents.

Summary

The project has delivered multiple benefits to the residents, the wider community and the environment. It serves as a model that could be easily replicated in similar developments.

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