One of the Redbridge’s largest flood defence schemes has been installed at Caterham High School in Clayhall, which has previously been impacted by flash flooding.

Caterham High School, in Caterham Avenue, was green lighted for the programme of works and Redbridge Council successfully bid for grants from Thames Water, and the Department for Education.

The completed works saw a range of above ground and underground sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS) implemented at the school to help protect it from flooding, following major damage that occurred to parts
of the school in a previous flash flooding incident.

SuDS reduce the risk of flooding by mimicking natural drainage processes to slow the flow of surface water entering sewers and drains – helping to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and flooded during heavy
rainfall.

Overwhelmed sewers and drains were one of the main causes for recent flooding incidents in the borough.

Four SuDS were installed at the school in collaboration with Kenson Highways and SANDS, who designed the schemes.

Following completion of the project an interactive workshop was held at the school to foster a greater understanding of flood resilience and the importance of environmental stewardship among students. The student centred event included educational activities about flood management and planting sessions as part of the school’s new green infrastructure, and was delivered in collaboration with project partners Kenson Highways who installed the SuDS, and SANDS.

(Pic: London Borough of Redbridge/Caterham High School)