We have recently completed an innovative rainwater harvesting project at Mission Grove Primary School on Buxton Road. With the aim of increasing flood resilience and promoting environmental sustainability, Meristem Design integrated innovative SuDS to enhance the school grounds and engage the pupils on the importance of water management and the benefits of connecting with nature and their environment.

Designed by WhatIf, this most recent installation will aid in bolstering the newly planted areas, increasing its chances of success and longevity. Bringing in green into the school grounds will also help with education and awareness, hopefully boosting ownership and engagement, leading to a heightened sense of care and appreciation of the wider scheme.

Innovative Rainwater Harvesting System

Our work at Mission Grove included two key rainwater harvesting systems:

1. 2000L tank at the garden

The first system is located on the outside of the school and collects rainwater from the roof of the school. The tank has been strategically placed near the edible garden which is home to several espaliered apple and pear trees. The harvested water will be a valuable resource for maintaining the planted gardens on the school’s borders and will be accessible for the school to utilise.

The 2000L tank is filled by a converted downpipe in the school, harnessing the water that would otherwise be lost, and also acting as a SuDS intervention.

It's also fitted with a filter inside the school to catch any unwanted items from the roof making their way into the tank.

The downpipe from the roof to this tank is over 24m long. We included a 2.5m clear section along the pipe to provide school pupils the opportunity to observe the rainflow, providing them an engaging and educational experience. We also included planted hoppers packed full of flowering and trailing plants at the far end of the downpipe which will also harness the rainfall by utilising an internal wick system.

By engaging with these systems, school children learn that nature requires care and attention and that their actions can have a positive impact on their environment, helping them to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, not just for their school grounds but for the environment as a whole.

2. 500L tank with corten planter

We've also installed a 500L tank inside the school, with a diversion from an existing downpipe. Once this tank is full, the entirety of the downpipe flows into a 2m diameter corten SuDS planter, planted with a variety of drought tolerant, flowering species.

This planter also boasts a 180-degree, wrap around hard wood bench, providing a space for students to relax and engage with their surroundings whilst also giving them the opportunity to watch the SuDS planter in action. The collected water can then be used to water the planter during dry spells.

Not only is the rainwater used for the plants, but it also helps care for the school’s resident ducks, chickens, and rabbits, who have their own swimming pool. The system ensures a sustainable water supply for these animals, adding another layer of environmental stewardship to the school’s daily routine.

Enhancing Buxton Road and Mission Grove

This latest installation follows on from the earlier greening of Buxton Road gardens, a collaborative project working with St James St Big Local, Waltham Forest’s Highways, What if Projects and the Greater London Authority’s Grow Back Greener Fund. Working hand in hand, the sustainable initiatives are creating a cleaner, greener, more relaxed environment both inside the school and out.

As the newly planted areas grow and thrive with the help of rainwater harvested from the school’s roof, these project will stand as a prime example of sustainable design and community collaboration. We are proud to have been part of an initiative that not only enhances flood resilience but also brings nature into the heart of a school, inspiring a new generation to care for their environment.