BioScapes

06/11/2025

In three weeks, we'll be at Floodex!

As well as showcasing our growing portfolio of solutions for surface water management, on stand A05, Terry Smithson, Head of Nature-Based Solutions, will be speaking in the SuDS Theatre, discussing how to unlock wider environmental, social and economic benefits from SuDS schemes.

Here's a brief synopsis of the seminar: "Beyond Attenuation: Smarter SuDS for Lasting Value."

Despite clear environmental and legal drivers, opportunities to deliver multifunctional SuDS supporting the Four Pillars are often lost to space and cost constraints. Terry will demonstrate practical and versatile solutions that go beyond attenuation, delivering long term ROI. From green roofs and planters to smart water butts and natural aquifer blocks he’ll explain how to unlock wider environmental, social and economic benefits from SuDS schemes.

Join us! Tickets are available here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pnQjN0

05/11/2025

*** Attention organisations in the Oxted area ***

Tandridge Council is hosting a free Climate Awareness event, this time next week!

The event will highlight smart, actionable strategies to help embed sustainable practices into your business.

Having recently installed BioCube habitat planters for the council, at several public spaces across the district, we are delighted to be supporting this event with a seminar explaining the connection between the climate, water and biodiversity.

The event programme features more expert-led talks and practical workshops designed to help you assess your carbon footprint and adopt a more sustainable approach to business.

What’s on offer and how to book:

• 10am-11am: Cut through the climate clutter and carbon confusion and improve your carbon literacy in this educational workshop run by Plans with Purpose
• 11am-12pm: Energy Action Redhill and Reigate. Warmer, greener living: practical ideas to make your home cosier, greener and cheaper to run.
• 12pm-1pm: Hear from Surrey Wildlife Trust about working with nature to protect and restore ecosystems, while also addressing challenges such as climate change or flood-risk management.
• 1pm-2pm: Learn how climate, water and biodiversity are connected and watch a demonstration of the BioCube from BioScapes - a habitat planter developed to create species rich ecosystems in commercial and community settings.
• 2pm-3pm: Understand how extreme weather impacts our lives, as the Met Office talks through the practical steps we can take to drive meaningful action.

This event is a chance to learn, share ideas and take away small changes that can make a big difference for a cleaner, greener district.

When: Wednesday 12 November, 10am-3pm.
Where: Tandridge District Council, Council Offices, 8 Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT.

More event information is available on the council's website: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pnFPy0
Information about car parking can be found here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pnKKZ0
Book your free tickets to the event and workshops here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0pnKDC0

07/10/2025

If your site suffered from excess surface water as a result of Storm Amy, take a look at our SuDS planters in action at Bempton Primary School in East Yorkshire.

Usually overwhelmed by water in storm events, the school really felt the benefit of the recent installation.

As you can see here, the planters held back some of the rainfall, reducing surface water flooding on the school playground, subsequently lessening the impact on the sewer network.

The weir effect of the planter’s ‘V’ trough means that water entering from the drainpipe is slowed down before reaching the soil, protecting the soil from washing away.

With the SuDS planter at maximum capacity as shown in this clip, the water will drain down over a few hours, without damage to planting.

If your site could also benefit from slowing the flow, request a consultation with our water management specialists.

Email: [email protected]
Call: 01904 202202

02/10/2025

We love a challenge!

When Devonshire Infant School, in Portsmouth, needed a solution to alleviate surface water flooding in and around a canopy area on their playground, we gladly accepted.

With gutters emptying via five downpipes directly onto the ground, rainwater was overflowing into the area under the canopy.

The answer? A bespoke concept making use of Hydrorock natural aquifer blocks for water attenuation and transfer, to be trialled in partnership with Southern Water.

To create a safe, school-friendly solution, we integrated Hydrorock blocks into foam post protectors with space for planting. This innovative design not only slows and stores rainwater but also adds colour, safety and biodiversity to the playground.

Key features:
• Each Hydrorock D45 block can hold 45 litres of water – with capacity tailored from 34L to 440L depending on site needs.
• Foam protectors are customised to each post to optimise space and capacity.
• Foam meets fire durability standards and H&S regulations (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974).
• Units double-up as brightly coloured features with planting opportunities, adding amenity and Biodiversity Net Gain.

This project is just the beginning. Over time, these units will help transform the canopy area into a biodiverse green system, while protecting children’s play spaces from flooding.

Shout-out to our friends at The London Lawn Turf Company for their expert assistance on this project. As always, their professionalism and commitment as registered installers helped ensure a seamless installation.

02/10/2025

Delighted to be supporting Tandridge Council at their free Climate Awareness event.

One of the workshops will be led by Head of Nature-Based Solutions for BioScapes, Terry Smithson, who will discuss "How climate, water and biodiversity are connected, with solutions which benefit all three."
When: Wednesday 12 November, 10am-3pm.
Where: Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT
For more information and to book, visit https://f.mtr.cool/inqgugoqpj

Go green at our free Climate Awareness event

Residents, community groups and businesses are invited to join us at our free, Climate Awareness event to discover practical ways to live and work more sustainably.

When: Wednesday 12 November, 10am-3pm.
Where: Council Offices, Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT.

The event will feature expert talks, practical workshops and a showcase of local green businesses, all designed to help you reduce your carbon footprint and adopt eco-friendly habits.

For more information and to book, visit https://f.mtr.cool/inqgugoqpj

Surrey Hills National Landscape Surrey County Council SES Water Surrey Wildlife Trust Voluntary Action Surrey East Community Energy Pathways BioScapes The National Flood Forum The Big Wood Estate Met Office Plans With Purpose Surrey Chambers of Commerce Energy Action Redhill & Reigate Soil Association BetterPoints Surrey Climate Commission

30/06/2025

This month's Pro Landscaper featured a lovely article highlighting how our SuDS and BNG planter is so much more than just a planter. The article explains how the planters support biodiversity in urban spaces, mitigate flood risk and provide an educational focus, illustrated by examples of how the planters are being used in a range of locations from rail stations to schools. You can find the article on page 58 of the online issue: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lntFf0

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27/06/2025

At Ashlands Primary School, in Ilkley, we collaborated with Groundwork Yorkshire and Yorkshire Water to deliver a smart SuDS solution: 4 high attenuation planters managing 1.4m³ of stormwater, reducing peak flow by 11 minutes during major storm events.

The result? Enhanced flood resilience, a 7-fold boost in biodiversity and living classrooms that bring sustainability to life for pupils.

Smart, scalable and nature-based.

Read the full story here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lh16B0

See how we helped Yorkshire Water & Groundwork Yorkshire equip Ashlands Primary with a flood mitigation solution with educational benefits.

25/06/2025

Product spotlight: BioScapes SuDS planter - flood mitigation meets biodiversity support.

In urban areas, opportunities for biodiversity support are often limited due to space constraints. BioScapes SuDS planters are designed to overcome this, with 10 wildlife habitats cleverly integrated into a planter to create a self-contained eco-system. Combine that with their water attenuation capabilities and you can see why they are rapidly gathering attention from local authorities and planners, water companies and developers, and other commercial organisations across the UK.

• 10 habitat features to support a self-contained ecosystem
• Water storage to reduce the risk of flooding
• Water filtration
• Compact design suitable for small spaces
• Simple to set up and maintain
• Made from stainless steel with a 10-year guarantee
• Suitable for retro-fit
• Surface-mounted
• Delivered direct-to-site.

For full product details visit:https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lh0Z_0

25/06/2025

Did you know that one in three mouthfuls of our food depends on insect pollination?

We all need to understand more about nature's role in our existence and that's why The Royal Entomological Society established , "a celebration of insects".

Sadly, research suggests that UK’s flying insect populations have declined by 60% in the last 20 years. That’s just flying insects. The UK is actually classified as one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet. This is largely as a result of urbanisation and habitat loss. Even though we are duty-bound to incorporate BNG elements in housing developments, it is not happening, as highlighted in this recent article by Pro Landscaper https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0lgXZP0.

Supporting biodiversity doesn’t have to be costly or onerous, there are off-the-shelf solutions available that make biodiversity support a seamless part of any project. We can advise on ways to increase biodiversity in your environment with ease - whether that's at home or at work.

Research conducted by the RTPI has found that almost half the ecological features outlined in planning proposals were missing from housing developments.

06/06/2025

School Sustainability Day is all about raising awareness of how schools, teachers, parents and pupils in the UK can take part in more sustainable practices, every day.

Established by Uniformd the free marketplace for second-hand school wear, this initiative is one that we wholeheartedly support. The premise is simple, asking schools, teachers, parents or pupils to commit to doing ONE thing to inspire younger generations to be more sustainable.

Did you know we spend time in schools educating about the water cycle and biodiversity, to foster environmental stewardship in children? Pupils at Holy Cross Catholic Primary, Fulham, recently enjoyed a day of planting and discovery – find out more in our case study: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0kNgKz0.

What were the educational and biodiversity challenges behind Holy Cross School, Fulham's decision to install a BioScapes SuDS planter?

05/06/2025

And that’s a wrap on the CIWEM - The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Flood & Coast Conference 2025!

What a fantastic few days of networking, catching up with familiar faces, sharing ideas, learning from our peers and soaking up the interest in, and passion for, sustainable water management and resilience.

We are proud to be playing a part in protecting the UK from storm water.

Yorkshire Water can you spot your colleagues?

Missed us this week? Then catch us at the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival, 7 – 10 July or Floodex 26 – 27 November.