About the grant
Climate change is causing heavier rainfall and longer wet periods. When rain falls on hard surfaces like roads, pavements and roofs, it cannot soak into the ground and instead flows into drains. This increases the risk of surface water flooding and puts pressure on the drainage network and waterways.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) help manage rainwater more naturally by reducing the amount of water entering drains and slowing its flow.
This grant provides funding to install SuDS planters in community locations. It's delivered by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with Southern Water, who are match-funding the scheme as part of the Nature Positive Portsmouth project.
What SuDS are
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) manage rainwater close to where it falls instead of directing it straight into drains.
They work by:
- allowing water to soak into the ground
- slowing the flow of water into drains and watercourses
- storing rainwater for short periods
- allowing water to evaporate or be taken up by plants
Examples include: rain gardens, swales, replacing hard surfaces (such as concrete or tarmac) with grass or planting, and SuDS planters. They also improve green spaces and support wildlife.
What you can use the grant for
You can use the grant to buy and install SuDS planters and related materials.
Below is an example of a planter you could receive funding for if your application is successful.
SuDS planters (sometimes called SuDS pods) are connected to building downpipes. They capture and store rainwater from roofs. They come in different sizes and designs - suitable for schools, community buildings and public‑facing sites. They're flexible and easy to install.
The grant can cover:
- SuDS planters
- peat free soil
- plants grown in peat free compost
- kits needed to connect planters to downpipes
- installation costs (if you need to pay a contractor)
Examples of SuDS planters suppliers include: GreenBlue Urban, Meristem Design, Freeflush, and SuDSPlanter. We do not recommend or endorse any supplier.
Who can apply
The grant is open to organisations with sites used by the community, including:
- community spaces used by social housing tenants
- schools and pre-schools
- businesses where SuDS planters are visible and accessible to the public (for example, on a site next to a high street)
- GP surgeries
- community centres
Eligibility
To apply, you must meet all of the following:
- the project must be in PO1 to PO6 (some PO6 areas, such as Portchester, are outside the council boundary and not eligible)
- the project must be completed by 30 June 2027
- you must have permission to install SuDS planters
- you must maintain the SuDS planters so they continue to work properly
- you can apply for up to £2,000
You must also:
- show how your project will reduce and/or slow water entering the drainage system
- use the promotional materials provided
- raise awareness of sustainable drainage using your own communication channels
- acknowledge the support from National Lottery Heritage Fund (Nature Towns & Cities programme)
If you are unsure about eligibility, email suds.grant@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Apply for the grant
You can apply for funding online and submit all required supporting documents.
Applications closes at 12 noon on Monday 29 June 2026.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What happens next
Applications will be assessed by a grant panel. Their decision is final.
If demand is high, priority may be given to projects that reduce water entering the combined sewer network.
If you're successful, we'll contact you by 3pm on Monday 20 July 2026. If you have not heard from us by this time, please assume your application has not been successful.
Nature Positive Portsmouth
The grant is part of Nature Positive Portsmouth. It's funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through Nature Towns & Cities programme, a partnership between the Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust.
Contact us
For more information, email suds.grant@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.