SuDS in Mansfield: How Sustainable Drainage is Reducing Flood Risk - CIRIA Event

Earlier this year, our Director of Operations attended a knowledge-sharing event in Mansfield focused on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and their role in reducing local flood risk.

Flooding in Mansfield

Mansfield faces significant flooding challenges from multiple sources, fluvial flooding from the River Maun and its tributaries, surface water run-off overwhelming drainage systems due to dense urban development and topography, and sewer flooding during heavy rainfall, all of which are being addressed through Severn Trent Water’s £76 million investment in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and other nature-based solutions to better protect local communities.

The event, hosted by Susdrain in collaboration with Severn Trent Water, CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management), and other partners, brought together professionals from across the water and environmental sectors to explore how SuDS are delivering tangible community benefits.

Types of SuDS

We all met in the Council Chamber at Mansfield District Council’s office in the Civic Centre and from there we visited a number of different SuDS installations of varying types – performing an important function yet adding beauty to the area.

This roadside rain garden installation with underground attenuation, has been exceptionally successful; it is located at a low point in a road which previously suffered from flash flooding during heavy rain events, causing the road to become impassable. Since its completion, the road has remained open and flood-free, even during periods of intense rainfall.

A baffled swale was introduced at this location to slow the flow of surface water run-off down the slope.

Finally, we saw an area of permeable paving. You can see the edges of the blocks are shaped to allow gaps for rainwater to flow down. Highly effective and almost impossible to tell apart from standard block paving until you look more closely.

These examples in Mansfield showcase how well-designed SuDS can combine engineering performance with attractive public spaces, adding environmental value while also protecting communities.

At FPS Environmental, we’re passionate about helping local authorities, developers, and consultants design SuDS that work, systems that manage water sustainably and reduce flood risk. If you have a project that needs some expertise, contact us today.

Written October 2025