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SuDS+ is a research and development project in Stanley South which is looking at how Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) can provide wider benefits to the local community and their environment (+).
Unlike traditional drainage systems, which use pipes hidden below the ground, SuDS mimic natural water systems like wetlands or ponds and store water when it rains.
SuDS can help create new habitats for plants and wildlife and new community spaces for people to enjoy, like playgrounds, nature trails or community gardens.
SuDS+ means doing drainage and flood prevention differently. Rather than identifying a flooding problem and solving it in isolation, SuDS+ takes a wider angle. The project aims to improve people’s quality of life and the places that they live in. Improvements could relate to housing, employment, education, health, wellbeing, energy, environment, community groups and networks. Through innovation and the help of Stanley the Raindrop, the project is developing and testing a new community-led and co-benefit framework for SuDS.
Placebuilder Approach:
We want to explore what the Memorial Park can look like and how it can be best designed to bring benefit to the environment and people of Stanley. This placebuilder experience allows you to be a part of the design from your own home. Using the tool, you can choose from a variety of features or add your own features, activities or ideas for the Memorial Park. Each of the features included holds a balance between benefits to the people of Stanley, the environment and the cost/feasibility of adding these features to the area.
We are keen to hear whether you are interested in helping to look after any of the features (ad hoc basic gardening and maintenance skills). Please reach out to us to get involved.
As part of our Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) monitoring initiative, we have installed a network of sensors—including rain gauges, weather stations, water level monitors, soil moisture sensors, and water quality meters—across key locations. These sensors continuously collect environmental data to support different stakeholders.
Explore this data through our interactive Data Portal, where you can visualise trends, monitor changes, and filter information by date, location, and sensor type. Click here to access the portal and dive into the insights.
Our partners and funder
Our project partners include ARUP, Durham County Council, Environment Agency, Isle Utilities, Northumbria University, Northumbrian Water, Teesside University, Veridian Logic and Wear Rivers Trust. We are also working with a wide range of community groups, schools and other local organisations.
SuDS+ is part of a wider Defra-funded innovation programme which is enabling 25 local projects across the country to test new ways of working and reducing flood risk. It is anticipated that the evidence generated will inform future projects and investment.
