Pupils get creative to learn about Severn Trent’s drainage system in Mansfield

The Trent Rivers Trust, in partnership with Severn Trent’s education team, have been teaching pupils at Oak Tree Primary School about climate change, what happens to the network when it is overwhelmed by too much rain.

Children found out how Severn Trent is installing sustainable drainage systems across Mansfield and got the chance to create their own mini-SuDS in plastic bottles while learning about how they soak up and slow down surface water.

Marie Gash, Oak Tree headteacher, said: “The workshop was very visual and the children loved the practical element – they got a lot from it, learning things that they never knew before.

“We’re always looking at ways to enrich our curriculum and provide engaging experiences for our pupils – we’re an eco-school with our own eco school council and environment club so the Super SuDS sessions fed perfectly into what we talk to our pupils about.”

Helen Purdy, Severn Trent community communications officer, said: “There’s nothing like learning hands-on – after an informative assembly, the children got the opportunity to make their very own mini-SuDS, using plastic bottles and some of the material from our building team.

“We would love to bring the Super SuDS assembly and workshop to more schools across Mansfield, to spread the word about this project and the wonderful benefits to the community.”

Schools interested in Super Suds sessions can register their interest by emailing [email protected]