The government has ordered house builders to do more to protect Britain’s cherished wildlife, such as incorporating hollow swift bricks and bat boxes in developments and using hedgehog highways to provide safe routes between different habitats.
Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has announced (Sunday 21 July) expectations on how developers can protect specific species in new guidance which builds on the government’s planning rulebook adopted last year. It follows public interest for protecting these much-loved animals, with one petition receiving support from over half a million people.
From submitting proposals to councils to then building new homes, developers should think about the long-term impact of their developments on the local ecosystem, both during and after construction.
This includes relatively small features that can often achieve important benefits for wildlife (swift bricks, hedgehog highways etc.), but the new guidance also places greater emphasis on developers using innovative ways to create new habitats and enhance existing ones, including providing green roofs, green walls or sustainable drainage systems.
"Building the new homes this country needs must not come at the detriment of our natural heritage," said Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP. "It’s right that as we deliver houses for people, we must also provide homes for wildlife too – whether that’s for hedgehogs, frogs, newts or birds.
"The public have told us that protecting wildlife is important to them – so my message to house builders is to harness this support and get building in a way that protects the environment for the next generation."
Brokenshire has also called for developers to plant more trees and green meadows, giving vital insects such as the British honey bee a safe haven to thrive.
The government's new guidance also sets out the bold new principle of environmental net gain, where developers have to ensure space for wildlife is provided in addition to the new homes they wish to build.
What is a hedgehog highway?
A 'hedgehog highway' makes space for hedgehogs to roam through back gardens, allowing them to seek food and habitat to nest. These can be small holes in the bottom of garden fences, or even removing fences entirely to create a free-flowing green space.
What is a swift brick?
Swift bricks are installed into the outer wall of a new home during the construction process. This allows birds to nest peacefully throughout the year once the home is completed.
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The best garden furniture sets for your outdoor space
Blending function with form, this stylish set includes two rattan chairs, a matching rattan sofa and a glass-topped table. We love the hairpin legs and the grey cushions (not to mention the price!).
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This is the ultimate garden furniture set. With its textured cord finish and smoked glass table top, this set exudes style and comfort. It includes a three-seater and two-seater sofa, configured into a corner unit, as well as two smart stools – perfect for entertaining.
Rio Corner Modular Garden Set with Fire Pit Table
Impress your guests with a garden furniture set that comes complete with a fire pit table. This ultra-contemporary set can seat up to six people around a cosy fire pit – keeping them warm on those chillier evenings.
Add a little bit of luxury to your garden with Garden Trading's West Strand garden sofa set. Made from durable aluminium in a contemporary grey colourway, this chic set is giving us Ibiza poolside vibes!
This neutral outdoor corner sofa set would complement any contemporary or Scandinavian-inspired garden. Featuring two loveseats, a corner seat and a coffee table, you can arrange this set in a number of ways.
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Beach Teak Wood Garden Dining Table and 6 Graphite Butterfly Armchairs
This outdoor dining table and chair set is oozing with contemporary style. Featuring an industrial style table and six black aluminium chairs, this set is ideal for creating a cool, urban jungle aesthetic in your garden.
Relax and soak up the sun with this luxe garden day bed. With a sleek grey aluminium finish, it includes one sofa with a canopy and a pouffe.
Kit out your patio for all the family with this lovely outdoor set. With a glass table top, four chairs and four stools all neatly tucked under the table, it won't clutter your outdoor space either.
Who said stylish outdoor furniture was just for adults? Your little ones can relax in style with this charming wooden garden furniture set from KidKraft. It comes with striped cushions and a matching adjustable umbrella that offers shady relief from the summer sun.
Looking to kick back and relax in your garden? This hand-woven, rattan effect mini corner sofa set comes with a cushion-top table that doubles as a footrest.
This stylish daybed makes the perfect outdoor spot to snuggle up with a book. Crafted from durable PE rattan, it comes with a showerproof extendable canopy so you can avoid getting wet during unexpected rain showers. At just under £245, we think it's a fab price for such a roomy piece of furniture.
Serving up your signature summer cocktail? Don't let the party begin without snapping up this fun tiki bar set from Amazon. The set includes two stools and a large shelf to store all of your favourite drinks.
Maze Rattan 8 Seater Garden Furniture Set with Ice Bucket
Add a touch of heritage charm to your garden with the Winchester outdoor dining set. Not only will the deep-filled cushions provide ultimate comfort, but the integrated ice bucket will serve as a stylish and practical addition to keep your drinks cool.
Bring some fun into your garden with this statement egg garden furniture set from Wayfair. With a striking yet compact egg design and sleek metal legs, it's great for small spaces.
Olivia Heath is the Daily Editor at House Beautiful. Heading up all things digital, Olivia loves uncovering tomorrow's biggest design trends and sharing the best decorating tips, small-space living solutions, and houseplant care advice. She also enjoys curating stylish and affordable homeware on the high street, as well as spotlighting the hottest properties on the market. Olivia covers some of the biggest events in the calendar, including all the action from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Colour of the Year forecasts from Pantone to Dulux, and exclusive previews of all the new Christmas collections before they hit the shops. Olivia has been writing about homes and interiors for the past seven years, and her work has also been published on House Beautiful US, Elle Decor US, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Red, Prima, Town & Country, Elle Japan, Modern Living and Micasa Revista. Prior to joining House Beautiful, Olivia worked at Reveal magazine, where she reported on celebrity and entertainment news by day, and attended showbiz parties and red carpet events by night! Olivia has an MA in Journalism with an NCTJ qualification, as well as a BA in Journalism and Media & Cultural Studies. Previous bylines include The Guardian, Independent on Sunday, The Huffington Post, Frontline Club and Pride Magazine.
