Making Sense of SuDS
Tue 15 Jul
|University of Exeter
Learn, share and network with the University of Exeter


Time & Location
15 Jul 2025, 09:30 – 16:30
University of Exeter, South West Institute of Technology, N Park Rd, Exeter EX4 4RN, UK
About the event
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) have been around for over 25 years, yet questions remain about their long-term performance, maintenance, and effectiveness. Despite their widespread use, we still lack sufficient evidence on their real-world impact and long-term benefits.
This interactive one-day workshop, hosted by the University of Exeter in partnership with SWIG, will bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how we can:
✅ Improve our understanding of SuDS performance through better data and evaluation
✅ Share experiences and insights from real-world case studies
✅ Identify opportunities to enhance design, implementation, and long-term maintenance
Join us as we make sense of SuDS, address the gaps in knowledge, and work towards better, more resilient water management solutions.
🎟️ Special Offer for Local Authorities!
The first delegate from each local authority can attend for free using the coupon code "LOCAL AUTH" at checkout.
On site accommodation:
University of Exeter - Holland Hall, Exeter (updated prices 2025), located on Streatham Campus
Agenda:
09:30 Registration and refreshments
Session One: What is reality. How far have we come?
10:00 Niki Roach & Peter Melville-Shreeve, University of Exeter: Welcome, expectations, objectives, who's in the room?
10:30 Peter Melville-Shreeve, University of Exeter: SuDS on Paper
11:00 Networking and refreshments
11:20 SuDS in the Real World
· Simon De-Ville, University of Liverpool: SuDS at Scale: Monitoring Performance in Mansfield
· Matt Moore, Anglian Water: Retrofit to Reveal: Uncovering SuDS Value Through Monitoring & Data
· Chris Sweetapple, University of Exeter: Establishing a Water Living Lab at Exeter University
· Joe Shuttleworth, Arup: Innovations in SuDS Delivery: Global Lessons
12:00 Ally Potts, Southern Water: Keynote: Why Do SuDS Matter?
12:30 Lunch
Session Two: What is ahead? Where could we aim?
13:30 Workshop 1: Future for New Build SuDS
· George Warren, Anglian Water: What’s That at the Top of the Drainage Hierarchy?
· Paul Shaffer, CIWEM: A Place for SuDS – Fitting SuDS in the Regulatory Landscape
13:30 Workshop 2: Future for Retrofit SuDS
· Anna Hastings, Southern Water: How Local Authorities and Water Companies can Work Together on Retrofit SuDS
14:00 Panel Discussion with Workshop Speakers
14:20 Raconteur session
15:00 Networking and refreshments
15:30 David Butler & Lorna Devenish, University of Exeter: Smarter SuDS network discussion
15:45 Activity: NABC
16:15 Niki Roach: Closing remarks

Tickets
General Admission
£131.00
+£3.28 ticket service fee
Sold Out
This event is sold out