Britain's largest housebuilder says it is "committed to installing Swift bricks" across its developments

                                                         

YORK-based Persimmon Homes - Britain's largest housebuilder - has issued a public assurance that it is on the side of nature.

Ahead of its AGM on May 1, the company has devoted a page of its annual report seeking to spell this out.

In a section headed Connecting People with Nature, it states: Our new developments are increasingly featuring enhanced green spaces including allotments and orchards to enable healthy lifestyles. 

"We are proud to provide opportunities to reconnect with nature."

The section continues: " From the very early stages of a new development, Biodiversity Net Gain  and the natural environment are considered. 

"Our designs consider ways to retain and enhance existing habitats.

"Last year, we planted 146,068 whips and trees  not only to benefit biodiversity but also to cool urban areas.

"In  July, we signed up to the Future Homes Hub Homes for Nature commitment.

"This is a sector-wide initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable and endangered species and providing places where our our wildlife can live." 

The section concludes: "We have committed to install Swift bricks and hedgehog highways across our developments and to provide essential nature-friendly planting to support their establishment. 

"These will be installed along with support and guidance from our ecological consultants, meaning that the right features will be installed in the right locations, suitable to the needs of local wildlife."

                                             

Housebuilders who have signed up to the Homes for Nature commitment