Why SuDS are the future of good landscape design

Sustainable drainage systems, or SuDS, is a natural approach to drainage which mimics nature and manages rainfall as close to where it falls as possible.

We believe that all developments need good drainage systems in place in order to function effectively and to be futureproof. We are using SuDS techniques on a number of current projects, including at a well-loved National Trust property which experienced major damage after some ferocious flooding.

So how do SuDS work? Putting the right control structures and strategies in place, using the existing ground profile, allows us to slow down and hold back water in a natural way. SuDS can also break down pollutants treating the water before it leaves the site and provide environmentally biodiverse solutions that cause minimal or no long-term detrimental damage encouraging infiltration into the ground, evaporation from the surface or vegetation, or to convey, treat and store water to slow down discharge.

Why do we use SuDS?

SuDS can contribute to sustainable development and improve the places and spaces where we live, work and play. They are more reliable than traditional drainage methods and help to reduce the impact of flooding of urbanised areas, reducing pollution from runoff and protecting natural flow regimes in watercourses.

They are also more sympathetic to the environment and the needs of the local community, and they can help to provide an attractive habitat for wildlife as well as encouraging natural groundwater recharge.

The different types of SuDS

There are three main distinctions for the types of SuDS available. These are:

* At Source Control measures which deal with run-off at, or close to, the surface where rainfall lands;

* Site Control measures which manage the surface water run-off from larger areas, such as part of a housing estate, major road or business park; and

* Regional Control measures which look at the upstream and downstream of the source and site controls dealing with the gathered runoff from a larger catchment area.