14 Wetland Futures Report 2013: The Value of Healthy Wetlands
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for people and wildlife:
from principles to practice
Andy Graham, Head of Wetlands for People, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
The presentation begins with a look at the reasons we
urgently need to change the way we drain; from an
increase in extent of impermeable surfaces through the
continuing process of urbanisation leading to increased
urban flooding, pollution of urban streams and rivers,
destruction/degradation of wetlands and loss of amenity all
driven by an increasing population, climate change and an
ageing sewerage system less able to cope with frequency
and extremity of changing rainfall patterns/events.
It continues by summarising what SuDS are able to do
and how they mimic the eco-hydrological processes within
naturally-functioning catchments (through managing
volume and protecting and enhancing water quality) and
briefly outlines some key natural values of wetlands over
and above flood attenuation for both wildlife and people
(e.g. well-being, climate regulation, pollination).
There are a number of legal and policy instruments that
support the widespread application of SuDS designed
with wildlife and people in mind within the UK (e.g.
green infrastructure strategies, sustainable communities’
strategies).
Key principles are detailed including the idea that water
is actually a precious resource and asset not a waste
material as it has been traditionally viewed. Designing and
creating SuDS that manage rainwater on the surface not
only provides opportunities for habitat creation but is a real
opportunity to engage with local people and to support
them in participating in the process. Moreover, the best
SuDS are the product of a multi-disciplinary approach that
includes ecologists, planners, landscape architects as well
as drainage experts.
After signposting to WWT/RSPB’s recently produced
guidance on SuDS for people and wildlife
, the
presentation focuses on some examples of SuDS created
in WWT’s very successful “SuDS for Schools” project in
London. More details are available from WWT’s website
or from Andy Graham (
andy.graham@
wwt.org.uk
)
Finally, key challenges and conclusions are identified
not least of which are the need to develop a UK-wide
retro-fitting strategy and the role that inertia and ignorance
will play in reducing design quality and slowing the wider
application of SuDS. It also concludes that SuDS represent
an integrated solution to the pressing problems we face
regarding surface water management and an ideal
opportunity to create wetlands in urban areas that local
people can help design and manage.
photo: © Bob Bray
Springhill Cohousing, Stroud, Gloucestershire. photo: Bob Bray
