Pictorial Meadows and the Greening of Sheffield: A Grey to Green SuDs Success Story

Sheffield’s Grey to Green scheme stands as the UK’s largest retrofit Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) project and inner-city ‘Green Street’ – a testament to innovative urban renewal. This ambitious initiative, developed in partnership with Sheffield City Council, reimagined a 1.6km stretch of dual carriageway reduced from four lanes to two, following the construction of an outer ring road.

Simon Ogden, who was then Head of City Regeneration at Sheffield City Council, conceived the idea of a revolutionary landscape scheme as part of the city’s response to the catastrophic 2007 floods. Seeking a revolutionary approach to landscape design, Ogden enlisted the expertise of Professor Nigel Dunnett from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape Architecture and founder of Pictorial Meadows.

Mitigating Flood Risk

The Grey to Green initiative primarily focused on managing surface water by reducing runoff, treating water through rain gardens and bioswales, and mitigating flood risks near the River Don. However, its vision extended beyond these goals. The project increased urban biodiversity, protected pedestrians from air pollution, achieved urban cooling through tree planting, and addressed water contamination. Additionally, green spaces within the project promoted health and wellbeing, offering residents beautiful areas for recreation. The transformation also spurred investment and economic benefits by revitalising the area and encouraging further development. Wider pavements and inspirational landscapes have significantly improved the pedestrian experience and community spaces.

An Integrated Planting Solution

Pictorial Meadows has been involved with the project since its inception in 2014 to its ninth growing season in 2024. The original planting scheme was developed by Pictorial Meadows’ founder, Professor Nigel Dunnett, with input from Landscape Architect Zac Tudor. The visually striking planting scheme included a mix of native and non-native species, designed to ensure colourful, resilient meadows with multi-layered ecological benefits. The installation of Phase 2 of the planting scheme was meticulously managed by Pictorial Meadows, coordinating closely with contractors and Sheffield City Council.

Specialist Substrate

Core to the success of the project was the specification of the specialist substrate developed and supplied by Pictorial Meadows. The substrate was engineered to govern water infiltration and retention to meet civil engineering specifications, whilst creating optimal conditions for a wide range of ornamental plants.

Sustaining Success

Maintenance, often an overlooked aspect, has been vital to the project’s sustainability. Pictorial Meadows’ ongoing commitment to skilled and knowledgeable maintenance ensures the thriving long-term management of these ecosystems. Entering its ninth year, the project continues to improve Sheffield’s resilience to heavy rainfall and flooding, displaying the transformative power of sustainable and biodiverse urban landscapes.

As part of The Green Estate Community Interest Company, Pictorial Meadows has been creating adaptive and resilient urban green spaces for over twenty years. The Green Estate and Pictorial Meadows’ mission has always been to create more sustainable, resilient and liveable cities by integrating nature into urban planning and design.

Contact the Pictorial Meadows team to learn more about our integrated planting solution for SuDs schemes that encompasses the supply of substrates, plants, meadow turf and skilled labour.

Photos © Alastair Johnstone (Climate Visuals)