Part of the BioScapes Group

SuDS Planters

Sustainable Drainage Systems
Planter with optional BNG Habitats

Managing rainwater, boosting biodiversity and supporting regulatory compliance

Patents granted: GB 2588793 & GB 2577671
Patent Application No. GB2314945.3

Our patented Sustainable Drainage System is designed to fulfil the four pillars of SuDS, manage rainwater runoff, and deliver Biodiversity Net Gain for residential and commercial developments; incorporated into new design, or retrofitted to an established property.

Why Choose BluWater Solutions?

Meets SuDS
Requirements

Carefully designed to address the four pillars of SuDS design for developments

Biodiversity
Net Gain

Our unit provides Biodiversity Net Gain and SuDS solutions in one product

10 Year
Warranty

The manufacturing quality of our SuDS Unit panels and framework is guaranteed

Designed by
Experts

BluWater Solutions' designs are led by environmental and horticultural experts

Proven
Performance

Tested by independent specialists & supported by customer feedback

SuDS Planter with modern glass fronted house - square

What makes our SuDS Planter unique?

The engineered steel framework is fully constructed in-house using stainless steel to provide structural longevity. This also means we can cater for optional colour customisation to meet commercial branding requirements, or to match domestic door or window frame finishes.  

The unit’s ‘wooden’ panels are of the highest quality and manufactured utilising recycled plastics, ensuring UV stability and durability against the elements; additionally, there is further opportunity for colour customisation. 

The dimensions and weights of our standard units, with and without habitats, can be found below. 

Each SuDS & BNG unit will be supplied with a specialist soil blend specifically designed for optimum performance. The soil is exclusively manufactured by Rolawn, a horticultural company with over 50 years of experience.

The Biodiversity Advantage

Further to our exceptional build quality and design, our optional base and front sections provide ten integrated wildlife habitats, supporting a species-rich environment and providing additional Biodiversity Net Gain within the SuDS unit.  BluWater Solutions’ design is patented, therefore no other SuDS Planter will provide this advantage.

Ecological trials of our units demonstrated, on average, a 7-fold increase in biodiversity. The multiple habitats found within the units help create a complex ecosystem supporting insects and other invertebrates, which in turn control pest species and provide food for other wildlife.

Within weeks of installing BluWater Solutions units, we have discovered hedgehogs, toads, and newts making their homes within the wildlife planters.

SUDS Planter on a modern apartment terrace with living wall and grey black furniture
SuDS Unit outside a university campus

If the optional habitats are added to the SuDS Planter, the ten integrated habitats will include:

  • Hedgehog house
  • Bee hotel
  • Butterfly house
  • Amphibian refuge
  • Invertebrate hotel
  • Hoverfly home
  • Wet habitat reservoir
  • Deadwood zone
  • Soil habitat
  • Planting areas

Call one of our experts to receive further details on 01904 202 202, or request a copy of our SuDS Unit’s Specification Sheet.

You can read more about the Biodiversity Crisis in our blog post, which examines why it is crucial we do all we can to increase habitats wherever possible in new developments or retrofit projects.

SuDS Planter Specification

SuDS Unit Option
SuDS & BNG Planter
Water Filtration Planter
*New* High Attenuation SuDS Planter
Dimensions (mm)
Height without BNG Base
750mm
750mm
850mm
Width without BNG Habitats
625mm
625mm
602mm
Height including BNG Base
980mm
980mm
-
Width including BNG Habitats
665mm
665mm
642mm
Length (excluding pipework)
1475mm
1475mm
1286mm
Water management
Attenuation (litres)
350L
270L
500L
Outflow (per second)
<0.1L
<0.3L
<0.1L*
Growing media volume
SuDS Soil
270L
270L
0L
Explanded Clay or Gravel
16L
208L
0L**

*If the unit is fitted with a Smart Sensor and valve, the outflow per second is under control of the user and, upon release, is estimated to be ~ 1 litre per second.

**BluWater Solutions’ Aluminium SuDS Planter contains Hydrorock

How we satisfy the four pillars of SuDS

Flood
Management
  • BluWater Solutions’ SuDS Unit is designed to capture storm water roof runoff to reduce load on the drainage system and reduce flood risk.
  • Our SuDS Unit has a water storage capacity of up to 350 litres/0.35m3.
  • BluWater Solutions’ SuDS Unit will therefore reduce outflow rates toward greenfield run-off rates.
  • Due to the SuDS unit’s modular design, multiple units can be connected to deliver your drainage requirements.
Water with reflection and drops
Water Quality
Improvement
  • Our units can provide quality of water improvements by reducing contaminants and pollutants which run off roofs.
  • Soil acts as a natural water filter and this will be assisted by the rich biodiversity encouraged within the planter. In this way the BluWater Solutions SuDS unit will help filter material from the water and reduce contamination through biological activity.
  • SuDS units can reduce the flow entering combined sewers, leading to fewer Combined Sewer Overflow discharges (CSOs) which pollute our waterways. This can help improve the quality water bodies further downstream improving streams, rivers, lakes and our seas.
Tree bumblebee on pink sea thrift
Biodiversity
Benefits
  • The biodiversity crisis urgently necessitates action, casting a vital role for developers in contributing to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the UK.
  • Our SuDS Unit’s optional accessories include a range of ten seamlessly integrated habitats, which following extensive research by ecologists have been proven to provide a remarkable seven-fold increase in biodiversity following installation.
  • By supporting diverse ecosystems, BluWater Solutions units attract a plethora of species, from beneficial insects and invertebrates to hedgehogs and amphibians, nurturing a tapestry of life within urban and suburban landscapes.
Amenity
& Placement
  • Designed for any outdoor space, BluWater Solutions units and planting schemes can quickly improve the visual appeal of public or private space, helping to create a positive environmental impact.
  • A BluWater Solutions SuDS Unit can provide a simple, affordable way to demonstrate environmental responsibility, helping to care for colleagues’ physical and mental health, contributing to local communities, and creating a sense of place.
  • Supporting an abundance of wildflowers, vegetables or herbs, these wildlife planters will also contribute to urban cooling to reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect.
Client Feedback

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Expert Solutions

Get your customised flood management quote today

Frequently Asked Questions

A SuDS Planter, or Sustainable Drainage System Planter, is designed to manage surface water effectively. These planters help absorb excess water, reduce flooding risks, and promote natural filtration. They’re an essential component for efficient flood management in urban environments.

The SuDS Planter utilises soil media and vegetation to manage water effectively. Rainwater is captured and infiltrates through the planter, allowing plants to thrive while simultaneously filtering pollutants. This natural approach enhances drainage and improves water quality.

Key benefits of using SuDS Planters include reduced flood risk, enhanced biodiversity, and improved water quality. These systems provide an eco-friendly solution, making urban spaces more resilient to adverse weather while creating green areas that enhance aesthetic value.

Yes, SuDS Planters can be adapted for various environments, including commercial, residential, and public spaces. They are flexible solutions that can fit both compact urban locations and larger areas, playing a crucial role in sustainable development.

We are able to manufacture bespoke units. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.