Community groups, schools, and local organisations in Portsmouth can now apply for funding to install rainwater-managing planters that help reduce local flood risks.
The second round of Portsmouth City Council’s Community SuDS Grant offers up to £3,000 towards sustainable drainage systems, known as SuDS, at sites used by the community. The first round of the grant opened in May.
The grant reopens following a summer of record-breaking temperatures across the UK, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on communities. While hot, dry weather may seem far removed from flooding, climate change is bringing more extreme weather overall, including heavier downpours that can overwhelm drainage systems when rain does arrive.
The funding can be used for specially designed planters that connect to a building’s downpipe and capture rainwater from the roof. The water is stored temporarily before being released slowly, reducing the amount entering drains during heavy rainfall, and allowing it to be absorbed by plants instead. This reduces flood risk, eases pressure on the drainage network and supports local wildlife.
The grant can cover the cost of the planters, peat-free soil and plants, connection kits and installation by a contractor where needed.
Applications are welcome from community organisations including schools and pre-schools, community centres, GP surgeries, social housing spaces and businesses where the planters will be visible and accessible to the public.
Cllr Kimberley Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:
“This is a straightforward way for local organisations to make better use of rainwater and bring more planting into community spaces.
“We had interest in the first round of the grant and are pleased to reopen it with up to £3,000 now available for each project. I would encourage schools, community groups and other eligible organisations to consider whether a rainwater planter could work at their site.
"After a summer of exceptionally hot weather, many people have seen first-hand how our climate is changing. Sustainable drainage projects are a practical way for communities to respond, helping manage heavy rainfall while creating greener spaces that benefit local people and wildlife."
The grant is delivered by Portsmouth City Council and Southern Water, and is part of 'Nature Positive Portsmouth', a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Nature Towns and Cities programme (a partnership between the Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust).
Applications must be submitted by 9am on Monday 7 December and projects must be completed by 30 June 2027.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/environmental-health/flooding/community-grant-for-sustainable-drainage-systems-suds/.
