Shinewater Primary School

“The entrance looks great and it’s such a wonderful sustainable addition to the school.  It’s so inviting and will only get better as it becomes more established.”

What did students ask for?

490 students were engaged with during initial workshops, they shared bold, imaginative ideas for their SuDS planters, focusing on nature and interactivity.

They envisioned animals, bright colours, sunshine (inspired by the school logo), and features like edible plants, bird baths, taps, benches, and even a rain cloud that waters the planter. Their designs emphasised durability and scale—”big” and “sturdy”.

What did staff ask for?

• School’s unique colours, values and logo focus on the front entrance area
• To address a lack of shade outside in the summer
• Multiple benefits such as areas for learning or interaction
• Water storage for use in the outdoor learning area and allotment

What was delivered?

• Nine SuDS Planters
• Two 800 litre water butts
• 4,965 litres of water storage

A range of bespoke features were added to enhance the space and reflect the school’s identity, including four bench seats, three planters painted in the school’s colours, a pergola to offer summer shade, and six vibrant displays of student artwork surrounding the SuDS planters.