Bordon Infant and Junior School

BORDON INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOL

Hampshire

As part of a £7.4 million school investment program approved by Hampshire County Council, Bordon Infant and Junior School is one of three primary schools in the area to receive funding which will see the classroom offering extended in order to cater for the rising demand of school places in the area.

R-LA was appointed by Mace Group from inception to completion and devised a landscape scheme that copes with the increased traffic from the school expansion without compromising on outdoor space for the children. The proposal also boasts external classrooms, and nature-based SuDS solutions in the form of rain gardens and bioretention planters which provide opportunities for the educational curriculum.

R-LA is honoured to work with schools up and down the country bringing nature-based solutions to play areas. Many children are prevented from enjoying their playgrounds due to heavy rainfall, and with extreme weather increasing due to climate change, this is only going to happen more frequently if effective water management is not implemented. Teaching pupils about water management and the environment is crucial. SuDS is not only about water quantity but it is also about quality and the role the nature based solutions plays in reducing pollution and increasing biodiversity.

DETAILS

Client: Hampshire County Council and Mace Group
Practical Completion: October 2025

Rich Planting: from Concrete Jungle to Calm Oasis

What was once a grey, hard-surfaced school grounds is now a calm, green refuge. Large pockets of green now weave through the site, from rich perennial, naturalistic planting to wildflower meadows and new trees, all carefully selected to be low maintenance, drought-tolerant and resilient in shaded conditions, while delivering structure, biodiversity and glowing autumn colour.

Rain Garden: nature-based SuDS

A new pedestrian entrance has been introduced, providing direct access to the school via a richly planted path integrated with a SuDS rain garden. The planting and landform are designed to capture, slow and filter surface water, allowing it to percolate naturally into the soil while enhancing the arrival experience. These photos were taken on a rainy day in October.

MORE education PROJECTS

SHARE