Platform Housing Group has declared its commitment to the Homes for Nature initiative, an industry leading campaign developed by the Future Homes Hub.
The voluntary pledge aims to embed wildlife supporting features – such as bird nesting bricks or boxes and hedgehog highways – as standard in all new planning applications from September 2024 running through to at least 2030, with annual progress reports.
As part of this scheme, Platform says it will integrate at least one bird nesting brick or box per new home, alongside hedgehog highways connecting gardens and green spaces.
The Midlands-based housing association’s ambitions also extend beyond the requirements of the pledge with further action and measures that demonstrate its long term commitment to biodiversity.
This includes new biodiversity training and workshops helping the social landlord to shape its ambitious new strategic approach to biodiversity. Where feasible, the organisation says it will also be installing supplementary green features on its new developments such as bat roosts, insect bricks, nature friendly sustainable drainage systems, and pollinator friendly landscaping to further enhance biodiversity.
Lianne Taylor, the group’s director of sustainability, said: “At Platform, we’re committed to shaping communities where both people and nature can flourish.
“By joining the Homes for Nature initiative, our development teams are embedding wildlife friendly elements from the very earliest stages, from integrating bird nesting bricks and hedgehog highways into site design, planting one new tree for every new home we build and incorporating pollinator friendly landscaping.
“This ensures every new home contributes meaningfully to nature recovery and sets a new standard in sustainable, considerate development.”
Homes for Nature was established to complement the existing Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, which mandate a minimum 10% enhancement in biodiversity.
The campaign represents a collective industry response to declining wildlife populations, especially species like swifts and hedgehogs. With more than 28 major homebuilders already signed up – jointly responsible for building more than 100,000 homes annually – it represents a cornerstone effort to install a minimum of 300,000 bird nesting features across the UK in coming years.
Vicky Payne, head of place and nature at Future Homes Hub, said: “The Future Homes Hub is delighted to welcome Platform Housing Group to the Homes for Nature scheme. It’s wonderful to see a housing association leading the way in creating homes that integrate nature supportive measures.”
As a member of the Future Homes Hub, Platform will also collaborate closely with organisations such as the RSPB, Action for Swifts, Hedgehog Street and the NHBC, supporting the development of technical and homeowner guidance to ensure effective and meaningful implementation.
Main image: Ian Joynson, chief investment officer, and Lianne Taylor, director of sustainability, both of Platform Housing Group
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