Anti-flood tree planting schemes at Lewisham schools honoured in Mayor’s awards

Left to right: Manoj Malde, Shirley Rodrigues (Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy), Sir William Worsley (Forestry Commission Chair), Marcus Gayle (LB Lewisham) and Alfie Davies (Tree for Cities). Pic: London Assembly

A tree-planting scheme designed to help protect three Lewisham primary schools at risk of flooding has received an award from London Assembly.

The Sustainable Drainage System scheme is a joint project between charity Trees for Cities and Lewisham Council implemented at three primary schools at risk of flooding.

The SuDS project involves landscaping, planting trees and de-paving unused areas to create rain gardens and outdoor classrooms.

The council have already delivered SuDS in four schools in Lewisham; Rathfern, John Stainer, Deptford Park Primary and Dalmain which is still in progress.

Councillor Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate said: “We are proud to receive the Trees for Nature and Climate Award for SuDS in Schools project in collaboration with Trees for Cities.

“Through the SuDS for Schools Programme, rain gardens have been strategically planted, absorbing rainwater to prevent flooding in Lewisham. Currently, we have delivered SuDs in four schools with three planned next year, continuing our efforts to safeguard Lewisham from potential flooding.”

These efforts can safeguard Lewisham from flooding. Pic: Nico Hogg via Flickr

Affectionately known as the “Tree Oscars,” the annual London Tree and Woodland Awards at City Hall awarded both organisations the Trees for Nature and Climate Award for the SuDS project on November 27.

The awards are organised and judged by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Mayor of London.

We're thrilled to have also won the Trees for Nature and Climate Award for our Lewisham SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) for Schools project, recognising the importance of trees and woodland in tackling the climate crisis.

Pictured is Alfie from Trees for Cities (far right)… https://t.co/upfPFk45Tf
— Trees for Cities (@TreesforCities) November 28, 2023

SuDS was created after Lewisham Council was awarded £50,000 from the Grow Back Greener Fund last year, a programme providing money for community projects.

While plans are in place, the transformations at these schools will not go ahead until next year.

Trees for Cities have already worked on providing adequate rain absorption using trees and plants around the UK.