New research shows that younger first-time buyers in England are disproportionately being pushed to live in so-called “nature deserts”, as considerations for the welfare of wildlife are not being provided by housebuilders. However, with simple accommodations, Manthorpe believes housebuilders can support wildlife, improve the biodiversity of their developments and support the wellbeing of residents.
Many urban areas are starved of green space due to historic under-investment in natural infrastructure, densification pressures, and planning decisions that have prioritised housing volume over access to nature. Research shows that among clusters of cheaper housing, access to nature is poorest. Experts at Manthorpe say this need not be the case, and that inexpensive modifications to the fabric of the home at the planning stage can encourage wildlife.
The negative consequences of “nature deserts” are not trivial. A major study found that people living in greener home surroundings, or with easy access to nearby green or blue spaces, are 20% less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression than those in the least green areas.
Under proposed changes to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, there is a real concern that green belt land could be developed into new homes without requiring the equivalent green space replacement in the same area. Should these reforms go ahead, nature deserts could become a reality for many new affordable housing developments.
HOW MANTHORPE CAN HELP
We urge fellow developers, local authorities and planners to recognise that integrating green space is not optional or nice to have. Parks, water features, wild corners, pocket gardens and tree corridors should be considered as essential to the fabric of a neighbourhood as roads or utilities.
There are practical steps housebuilders can take to ensure they create truly liveable, nature-friendly places:
• Incorporate green space at the design stage, even for higher-density builds.
• Commit to biodiversity. Mixed landscaping, such as native trees, wildflower meadows, water features and hedges, supports insects, birds and small mammals and help the entire ecosystem.
• Integrate Swift Nesting Bricks and Bat Ridge Roosts into the fabric of the house. These products are designed specifically for the endangered red-listed birds and mammals to provide a safe nesting location within buildings. By installing these bricks and ridge roosts during construction, developers can contribute directly to species conservation. Manthorpe’s Bat Ridge Roost and Dual Swift Brick products are easy to integrate, durable, and compliant with wildlife regulations, and can also be retrofitted.
• Ensure accessibility of green space. They should be walkable and well-connected to homes. Small isolated patches don’t count if people can’t reach or don’t feel safe using them.
• Use design to encourage community and activity. Incorporate paths for walking and cycling, benches, communal gardens or play areas. Green spaces should be part of everyday life, not locked away.
Manthorpe is currently working with a number of forward-thinking housebuilders to incorporate support for swifts and bats into their developments. We believe every new home should offer access to nature, and every new neighbourhood should support the health of residents and wildlife for generations. www.manthorpebp.co.uk/ environmental