Bringing Rivers to Life with Black Country River Schools
At Severn Rivers Trust, we have been running the Black Country River Schools project across the West Midlands. This is a key initiative connecting children in urban communities to their local rivers. Run by our River Engagement Officer, Becky Titchard, this project provides children with the knowledge to protect and improve their local rivers. By gaining hands-on experience with real-world environmental issues, the children are learning how they can actively contribute to the future health of their waterways.
Why Rivers Matter
Rivers are more than just flowing water. They are vital ecosystems that support diverse wildlife, provide drinking water, regulate local climate and offer recreational and economic value. Urban rivers, however, face significant challenges. Pollution, habitat destruction and increased flooding due to climate change all threaten their health.
The Black Country River Schools project is designed to address these challenges head-on by educating the next generation about the importance of rivers and how they can be protected. This initiative provides pupils with a deeper understanding of their local rivers and empowers them to take action to improve their environments.
Rain Gardens
A major part of this project has been installing and teaching children about rain gardens. They are a simple but effective solution to urban flooding. In many cities, when it rains, water flows off hard surfaces like roads and rooftops, rushing into drains that often can’t handle the volume of sudden water. This runoff can lead to flooding and water pollution, washing harmful chemicals and debris into local rivers.
Rain gardens can help manage this runoff by the use of plants, soil and landscape design. The gardens absorb and filter rainwater before it enters the drainage system which flows into the river. This sustainable drainage technique is known as SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems). This can reduce the pressure on urban drains, helps minimise flooding and improves water quality by capturing pollutants like oils and fertilisers. The pupils have played an active part in installing these rain gardens by helping build, plant and maintain them.
Through their hands-on participation, the children have learnt how these rain gardens not only help solve practical problems but also create new habitats for wildlife. Rain gardens become living classrooms where pupils can see the direct benefits of environmental action.
Green Roof Bike Shelters
Another key part of the project is the installation of green roof bike shelters in schools across the Black Country. These shelters, installed with support from Atlanticbike, encourage children to use sustainable modes of transport like cycling. Not only do these shelters offer a safe place to store bikes, but they also feature green roofs that absorb rainwater and help cool the surrounding environment.
Green roofs are an example of green infrastructure. This is a sustainable method of managing urban environmental challenges. By absorbing rainwater, green roofs help reduce runoff that would otherwise flow into the drainage system.
These green bike shelters have provided secure storage for the student’s bikes and have also helped the children learn about the wider benefits of green infrastructure by seeing first-hand how the shelters help reduce the environmental impact of everyday activities.
Mosaic River Art
As part of the project, the children have also been involved in the creation of a mosaic art installation, which will be unveiled in the spring. After taking part in Water Stewardship sessions, assemblies, classroom workshops and riverside visits, the pupils designed their river-themed mosaics, drawing inspiration from what they had learned about their local waterways. Their designs were then brought to life by local artists Angela and Lynda from TomatoJack Arts.
This collaborative project combines creativity with environmental education, allowing pupils to express their growing understanding of the importance of protecting their rivers. The mosaics will serve as a permanent reminder of their involvement in conservation and their commitment to preserving their local waterways.
Our Key Partners
Here at Severn Rivers Trust, we have worked closely with schools, artists, and community members to ensure that the Black Country River Schools project is both educational and impactful.
The success of this project is also made possible through our partnerships with Atlanticbike, who have supported the installation of the green roof bike shelters. Additionally, the project is funded by the Severn Trent Community Fund and Department for Education, with additional support from Alpkit. Their contributions are crucial in allowing us to deliver this educational initiative to schools across the Black Country.
Tree and Hedge Planting
As part of the project, the children have also played a hands-on role in enhancing their school grounds with trees and hedgerows. By the end of March, a total of 1,155 native trees will have been planted along 231 metres, creating vital habitat and food sources for local wildlife. These new green spaces will also serve as valuable resources for forest school activities and outdoor learning, while helping to soak up water and reduce flooding.
The schools involved in the project have received a new hedgerow and every single tree has been planted by a child- giving pupils a direct connection to the landscape they are helping to restore. This initiative not only benefits nature but also fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the environment among the next generation.
Get Involved
If you would like to support our work with the River Schools project, you can donate to our Roots for Rivers campaign, where we’re raising funds to plant over 100 hectares of trees this winter. Donations will directly fund trees to be planted in schools, helping to expand the impact of this initiative. We are also open to working with local businesses to further our work in the Black Country and beyond. If you’re interested in collaborating, please email our Fundraising Lead at katie.jones@severnriverstrust.com.
