RSPB and Barratt extend partnership to give nature a home

As the start of spring season approaches (March 20) wildlife in Wiltshire is set for a boost.

Local housebuilder Barratt Homes has renewed and extended its unique partnership with the RSPB, which aims to deliver more wildlife friendly housing across the region.

Barratt and the RSPB will work together to boost biodiversity and promote wildlife at its developments across the region, including those in Swindon, Westbury, Melksham and Calne. Through such initiatives as hedgehog highways, wild bee friendly planting and swift bricks, the aim of the partnership is to help all forms of wildlife and nature on new housing developments. 

Over the last 50 years 56 per cent of species have declined while 15 per cent are at risk of disappearing from our shores altogether. With the country’s wildlife continuing to struggle the groundbreaking partnership between Europe’s largest nature conservation charity and the country’s largest housebuilder is setting the benchmark for nature friendly homes.

The first three years of the partnership have been a resounding success with both organisations working together to agree best practice on what are the best plants and shrubs to use in gardens, the best times in the year to survey local species and how to make good use of existing nature features on new developments. In addition the partnership is helping home owners by offering guidance and advice on how to help nature thrive.

Welcoming the renewal, Mike Clarke, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “The wildlife we see and hear where we live is important. Having birds, butterflies, bees, hedgehogs and other visitors in our gardens makes us feel good about where we live as well as improving our own sense of wellbeing. Unfortunately our natural world is in trouble, so it is vital that we look at how construction can be sympathetic to nature and how future communities can welcome wildlife.

“For three years the RSPB and Barratt Homes have been working together to create spaces for nature and wildlife, and I am pleased that we will be continuing our partnership for another three years, leading to more new neighbourhoods being designed with nature in mind.”

The partnership has received particular praise for designing an innovative new swift brick to support the iconic birds with nesting sites in new homes. Other awards for the partnership over the last three years have included a What House silver award for best partnership scheme, a BIG biodiversity challenge award for showhome garden designs and a prestigious RSPCA animal hero award.

Russell Glimstead, managing director at Barratt Homes in Bristol, said: “Our partnership renews our commitment to building great places that provide high quality homes and supports the environment for people and wildlife alike to thrive.

“We’ll continue to work together on nature friendly best practice that helps people, plants and animals alike become healthier and happier.”