16 COMMENT
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF MAINTAINING SUDS?
When designed and built following best practice guidelines, SuDS do not require a complex day-to-day maintenance programme. An ongoing schedule of works must be followed to ensure features such as inlets and outlets are always kept clear to ensure water can ow without obstruction. Regular maintenance and inspections must be combined with less frequent tasks such as silt removal and vegetation management. Vegetation must be managed carefully in and around SuDS with invasive species identifi ed and removed. Maintenance regimes must consider the potential presence of wildlife and be conducted at the most appropriate time of year to reduce disruption to any species that may be present. While day-to-day management and maintenance of SuDS can be straightforward, there are likely to be ad hoc tasks that require specialist technical and ecological expertise.
WHAT ARE THE BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS OF SUDS?
SuDS have multiple benefi ts for wildlife. Traditional drainage can reduce the amount of water for plants and animals while also allowing pollutants to enter waterways. SuDS can help increase the amount of water and suitable habitats available for wildlife. Successful sustainable drainage systems will provide food, shelter and breeding opportunities for birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. Structure is a key factor for optimal biodiversity value. Providing a variety
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of grass lengths for example and leaving some areas uncut or cut on rotation enhances structural diversity which will benefi t varied species who will use the grasses in different ways. Longer grasses offer a suitable location for the eggs and larvae of some insects to remain over the winter months. Reptiles and amphibians will use longer grass as cover and search it for insects.
Marginal wetland vegetation is ideal to be kept long as it helps increase humidity creating preferable conditions for wildlife.
HOW DO SUDS IMPROVE AMENITY VALUE?
SuDs can provide benefi ts to new housing developments that contribute to the amenity value of an area. Many SuDS features are dual purpose, for example play areas may double as detention basins and roadways may incorporate permeable paving, thus maximising the available space on the development while not impacting the aesthetics.
Carefully managed SuDS such as basins and swales can be visually pleasing, adding variety to a landscape while attracting a range of wildlife, from insects such as bees, moths and butter ies to birds, newts, and water voles. Access to well-maintained green spaces and nature are proven to support both physical and mental wellbeing, and open spaces that include a variety of features are thought to have the greatest impact in this respect. Through careful management, green SuDS with benefi cial planting can contribute to also help cool urban areas and remove pollutants from the air. SuDS can become a key feature of a development with community
involvement. Adding bird feeders, insect hotels and wildlife shelters on or adjacent to them helps maximise their appeal to residents and signage can be used to educate on the benefi ts of these features. Activities such as wildlife walks and bug hunts can further engage residents.
WHAT ARE THE KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING & IMPLEMENTING SUDS?
Collaboration by all parties is useful to ensure the successful design and implementation of SuDS features. Designers and housebuilders must consider future practicalities of ongoing maintenance requirements. Ensuring the SuDS are designed to allow the elements to be suitably accessed and easily maintained on a regular basis are key to the successful management of drainage features.
Housebuilders must consider the appropriate solutions for the ongoing specialist management of sustainable drainage features. Options include management companies who will take long term responsibility and provide a robust inspection and maintenance process to meet planning approval and the ongoing needs of SuDS features. Organisations that take an objective approach, taking into account best practice and managing SuDS for optimum effectiveness as well as biodiversity and amenity value should be sought for the long-term success of SuDS features and the legacy of the development.
Samantha Hursey is operations director at Meadfl eet Open Space Management
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