The first of four local schools has transformed its grounds with
nature-based flood prevention solutions.
Eastover Primary School officially unveiled its new sustainable
drainage system (SuDS) on Thursday 26 June, as part of the
pioneering Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project, marking the first
completed installation in the SuDS for Schools programme.
The initiative, which will eventually include four local schools
at risk from flooding, combines natural water management
techniques with educational opportunities and biodiversity
enhancement.
Pupils, teachers and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the
completed transformation, which features a rain slide that
diverts water from the school roof through a newly created dry
riverbed landscape, reducing pressure on local drainage systems
during heavy rainfall, and providing some flood resilience.
The children played a vital role in completing the riverbed,
planting over 200 native plants including water mint and marsh
marigold throughout the area. This riverbed creates a rich,
sensory environment where pupils can connect with nature while
learning about water management and climate
resilience.
Beyond providing local flood protection, the system enhances
biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other invertebrates,
whilst serving as a unique outdoor classroom that integrates
directly into the school's curriculum.
Councillor , Deputy Mayor of Bridgwater,
who attended the launch, said:
It really was a privilege to attend the opening.
The space is amazing, and will give the young people an
interactive environment to boost their learning while
understanding the environment we all live in.
Beverly Alcock, co-headteacher of Eastover Primary School,
said:
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Environment
Agency for providing Eastover School with such a fantastic
wildlife garden and SuDS area.
It is a truly beautiful space that not only enhances our school
grounds but also offers a wonderful opportunity for our students
to connect with nature and learn about sustainability in a
hands-on way.
We are incredibly grateful for your support and vision in
creating this inspiring environment.
The students at Eastover Primary School said:
On behalf of all the pupils and staff here at Eastover Primary
School, we'd like to say a huge thank you to the Environment
Agency for their incredible support in helping us create our
brand-new wildlife garden.
This special space is already bringing nature closer to us and
inspiring us to care for the environment just that little bit
more.
We've used the space lots over the last year and we've found it a
space to come and read quietly, enjoy nature or just somewhere to
come and sit with our friends.
We're proud that our school is part of the Bridgwater Blue
Heritage Project, and we're so grateful for your help in making
our vision a reality. Thank you for helping us grow something
truly wonderful for our school!
Following the successful launch at Eastover Primary School, the
programme will expand to three additional schools identified as
being at risk from flooding: St John and St Francis School,
Chilton Trinity and Bridgwater Academy.
The Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project is led by the Wildfowl and
Wetlands Trust (WWT) and is funded by the Bridgwater Tidal
Barrier scheme. The SuDs for Schools project is funded by
Department of Education via the Environment Agency.
Background
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Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage
water in ways that mimic natural processes, controlling
surface water runoff and reducing flood risk while providing
benefits for water quality, biodiversity and amenity.
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Each participating school will receive custom-designed
sustainable drainage features alongside dedicated learning
resources that integrate with the curriculum, helping pupils
understand the importance of natural water management.
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For more information see the WWT
Bridgwater Blue Heritage webpage.
