SOUTH HAMPSTEAD BUILDING COMMUNITY SuDS RESILIENCE
After the devastating surface water flooding of July 2021, residents in South Hampstead came together to form a Flood Action Group, supported by the National Flood Forum, to better understand what went wrong — and how to protect their neighbourhood from future events.
Working collaboratively with the group, Spring Collective was commissioned to investigate the causes of flooding and provide a clear, practical roadmap for improving local resilience.
Key Outcomes
A ranked programme of interventions based on impact and feasibility
SuDS retrofit maps showing where measures can make the biggest difference
Bespoke community interventions, from rain gardens and tree pits to permeable paving
Guidance to help residents and the council influence new SuDS installations across the neighbourhood
The project began with a shared question: what caused the flooding, and what can the community do to stop it happening again?
Through a mix of emails, in-person meetings, and a detailed local walkover, we worked with residents to map out their experiences and concerns. The project wasn’t about producing another technical report — it was about empowering the community with knowledge and achievable actions.
“It’s hugely impressive. I envisaged something highly technical that would be difficult to absorb. On the contrary, it’s so clearly written – quite apart from the depth of research – so all credit to Marcus.”
Local Resident
Partners + Collaborators
National Flood Forum
South Hampstead Flood Action Group
London Borough Camden
We developed a Catchment Strategy and SuDS Opportunity Mapping Report that combined technical insight with local knowledge. The study reviewed topography, hydrology, flow routes, land use, and ownership across the wider South Hampstead catchment.
This catchment-scale approach identified the key flow paths that contributed to the 2021 flooding and mapped opportunities for retrofitting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) across both public and private land.
The South Hampstead study has created a blueprint for other communities facing similar risks. By combining technical analysis with local insight, it demonstrates how small-scale, distributed SuDS interventions can add up to meaningful flood resilience — making urban neighbourhoods not just safer, but greener and more liveable.