Creating greener, healthier neighbourhoods
We’re helping nature to thrive and making our neighbourhoods more resilient to a changing climate. By improving green spaces, encouraging wildlife and planning for risks like flooding and overheating, we’re creating places that support wellbeing now and for the future.
What we’re doing
Protecting and improving nature
We want everyone to enjoy green spaces that are good for wildlife and good for wellbeing. That means protecting what’s already there and improving habitats wherever we can – across both new developments and existing neighbourhoods.
- Avoiding harm to wildlife wherever possible and reducing impacts through design and construction
- Protecting and enhancing habitats on site first, wherever this is achievable
- Improving wildlife habitats nearby when on‑site options are limited
- Using Biodiversity Net Gain solutions only as a last step, when improvements can’t be fully delivered on or near the site
- Using ecological expertise to understand impacts and identify the most effective improvements
Designing green spaces for people and wildlife
We work closely with our in‑house grounds maintenance teams so green spaces are welcoming, practical and designed to be cared for over the long term.
We use native and hard‑wearing planting that suits the location, supports wildlife and is well established when planted.
Our developments may include features such as:
- Bee and swift bricks
- Hedgehog access routes
- Bat boxes
- Wildflower areas and low‑level planting in shared spaces
- Clover or moss lawns (often better for wildlife than traditional grass)
Where it makes sense, we also include green front gardens, sustainable drainage and low‑level planting to create friendly, wildlife‑rich spaces.
Managing green spaces responsibly
Across our estates, we’re looking for ways to manage green spaces more sustainably – supporting wildlife, improving wellbeing and helping absorb carbon. Independent ecological advice helps us understand the value of different areas and prioritise improvements, especially in established neighbourhoods where space can be limited.
Preparing for a changing climate
We plan ahead for climate risks – including flooding and overheating – to help protect homes, support residents and reduce disruption to communities.
Managing flood risk
We aim to build new homes in areas with the lowest flood risk wherever possible.
If a site includes higher‑risk areas, we design to reduce risk – for example by raising floor levels or keeping the most at‑risk areas as open green space.
We manage rainwater using features such as permeable paving, swales, ponds and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).
Where suitable, green roofs can help manage rainfall, support wildlife and reduce overheating.
Keeping homes cool and comfortable
We design homes to reduce the risk of overheating and to support comfortable indoor temperatures.
This includes thoughtful layout and orientation, along with measures such as shading, improved glazing and effective ventilation.
Mechanical cooling is only considered when passive and natural solutions can’t provide safe, comfortable conditions.
We use modelling to assess overheating risk and inform design choices, helping homes remain safe, energy efficient and comfortable throughout the year.
