Platform Housing Group, a housing association based in the Midlands, has announced its participation in the Homes for Nature initiative, a campaign aimed at promoting wildlife-friendly features in new housing developments. This initiative, spearheaded by the Future Homes Hub, seeks to address the declining populations of various wildlife species by embedding supportive elements into the design of new homes.
The Homes for Nature campaign encourages developers to include features such as bird nesting bricks and hedgehog highways in all new planning applications starting from September 2024 and extending through at least 2030. Platform Housing Group has committed to integrating at least one bird nesting brick or box in each new home, as well as creating hedgehog highways that connect gardens and green spaces. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance biodiversity in the areas where they build.
Lianne Taylor, the Director of Sustainability at Platform Housing Group, emphasized the importance of integrating wildlife-friendly elements from the earliest stages of development. The organization plans to plant one new tree for every home built and incorporate landscaping that supports pollinators, ensuring that new developments contribute positively to nature recovery efforts.
The Homes for Nature initiative complements existing Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, which require a minimum 10 percent enhancement in biodiversity for new developments. With over 28 major homebuilders already participating, the campaign aims to install at least 300,000 bird nesting features across the UK in the coming years, addressing the urgent need for wildlife conservation in urban environments.
Vicky Payne, Head of Place and Nature at the Future Homes Hub, expressed enthusiasm for Platform’s involvement, noting that their leadership in this area sets a precedent for other housing associations. As a member of the Future Homes Hub, Platform Housing Group will work alongside organizations such as the RSPB and Action for Swifts to develop guidance for effective implementation of wildlife-friendly measures.
Platform Housing Group manages approximately 50,000 homes across the Midlands, including social and affordable housing, supported living schemes, and retirement accommodations. Their commitment to the Homes for Nature initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable development practices that prioritize both community needs and environmental stewardship.
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