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Learn more about SuDSlab

Nature-based drainage, evidence and open tools for practice and learning

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sensors measurements

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SuDS features monitored

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communities & campuses

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live programmes (UoH, DIG, LWW…)

The Challenge

Understand how Sustainable Drainage Systems perform in the real world to reduce flood risk and improve water quality under changing rainfall.

The Approach

Long-term, real-time monitoring using remote sensors across campus and community SuDS, with transparent methods and shared tools for analysis.

The Outcome

Evidence to optimise designs, wider acceptance and deployment of SuDS, and increased public awareness of flood risk and resilience.

Why water in cities matters

Most days we give little thought to water in urban environments. During heavy rainfall, overwhelmed drainage can cause damaging floods. SuDS slow, store and filter runoff—vital for adapting to more frequent intense storms.

SuDSlab brings together on-campus features and community schemes like Blue-Green Lab, DIG and our Living With Water partnership to evaluate effectiveness and share learning.

Main challenges

  • Make SuDS more efficient at slowing & filtering water
  • Optimise designs for varied rainfall & catchments
  • Grow awareness & education on sustainable drainage
  • Provide examples others can reuse

Our focus since 2020

Expanding a networked sensor system to observe hydrological processes within SuDS across sites. A public dashboard will allow direct download and exploration of responses in real-time.

2-minute introduction to SuDSlab at the University of Hull

Research

Active programme of publications and conference engagement; Highly Commended (susdrain, 2022) for catchment-based solutions.

Innovation & Demonstration

Blueprint for SuDS monitoring to replicate elsewhere; Knowledge Exchange Fellow in Floods & SuDS appointed with the DIG Project.

Education & Awareness

Teaching embedded in our programmes including MSc Flood Risk Management; community workshops and schools outreach using SuDSlab assets and data.

“The SuDSlab project is demonstrating ways to create more space for accessible nature in our urban environments, whilst capturing meaningful evidence for decision makers to replicate these changes elsewhere.”
Matthew Millington, Local Nature Partnership Development Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Meet the team

Current and past projects

Work with us

Arrange a tour, share datasets, or collaborate on monitoring.