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The following is a short summary of the habitat type and how to create/enhance it to a "good" condition. For an informed position, please refer to official up-to-date Government guidance or the UK Government's Condition Assessment Sheet.
Synonyms: SuDs, blue roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, modified tree pits
Description: Elements designed to manage surface water to aid in reducing flooding and increasing water quality. SuDS provide an alternative or addition to conventional drainage systems that rely on pipes and the rapid conveyance of rainwater to drains and watercourses.
If you wish to select this habitat on a habitat selection screen, it can be found under Urban (see guide).
SuDS originates from the Low Impact Development approach, which began in the United States in the 1990s. In the UK, with increasing interest in these practices, CIRIA published its first SuDS Manual in 2007. The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (as amended) uses the term sustainable drainage and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has a policy that major developments should incorporate sustainable drainage systems unless there is clear evidence that this would be inappropriate. SuDs should ensure the storage of water in soils that can continue to support vegetation during drought, and which can provide evaporative cooling during heatwaves. (Source: Natural England)
The SuDS philosophy (as set out in CIRIA’s SuDS Manual 2015) is to consider the quantity of water, the quality of water, and improvements to amenity and biodiversity. The SuDS approach promotes a management train (or treatment train) for surface water. This involves a succession of features and connections (conveyances), taking surface water from source control features (e.g., green roofs, rainwater harvesting tanks and permeable paving) to site control features (e.g., rain gardens or small ponds) to regional control features (e.g., large ponds, wetlands, or detention basins), before sending water to watercourses. The building blocks of green infrastructure, described in the paragraphs that follow, include source control features, which should all individually be designed for amenity and biodiversity as well as their capacity to handle water. Source control features should be prioritised over site or regional controls to maximise overall effectiveness and minimise land take. The enhancement of biodiversity should be considered in all projects. (Source: Natural England)
Assessment Questions
Does the site include features for surface water management?
Is the system effectively managing rainwater and surface runoff, controlling water flow, and reducing flooding?
Does the system have mechanisms for improving water quality through processes like filtration, sedimentation, or biological treatment?
If YES, then it is likely “Urban - Sustainable drainage system”
How to Create / Enhance to a "Good" condition
How to create
Please refer to the National Standards for sustainable drainage systems and the National Planning Policy Framework.
How to get a "moderate" rating
In a management plan aiming to achieve ‘moderate’ condition, at least three of the following will be true:
Vegetation structure will be varied, providing opportunities for vertebrates and invertebrates to live, eat and breed. A single structural habitat component or vegetation type does not account for more than 80% of the total habitat area.
The habitat parcel will contain different plant species that benefit wildlife. For example, flowering species provide nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
Invasive non-native plant species (as listed on Schedule 9 of WCA1) and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife will cover less than 5% of the total vegetated area.
A variety of flower species suited to wetland or riparian situations will be planted.
The seed mix will be mostly native species. Where non-native plant species are present, they will not be harmful to wildlife. The planting mix will exclude invasive non-native species (INNS).
Source: Natural England
How to get a "good" rating
In a management plan aiming to achieve ‘good’ condition, all of the following will be true:
Vegetation structure will be varied, providing opportunities for vertebrates and invertebrates to live, eat and breed. A single structural habitat component or vegetation type does not account for more than 80% of the total habitat area.
The habitat parcel will contain different plant species that benefit wildlife. For example, flowering species provide nectar sources for a range of invertebrates at different times of year.
Invasive non-native plant species (as listed on Schedule 9 of WCA1) and others which are to the detriment of native wildlife will cover 0% of the total vegetated area.
A variety of flower species suited to wetland or riparian situations will be planted.
The seed mix will be mostly native species. Where non-native plant species are present, they will not be harmful to wildlife. The planting mix will exclude invasive non-native species (INNS).
Source: Natural England
Useful Resources
Guide 1 - SuDS Manual
Please note that this is a simple guide to help identify the habitat. For a definitive description, please refer to UKHab documentation. Joe's Blooms takes no responsibility for the content of external links.