A HOUSING development in Lea Castle in Kidderminster has been awarded full ‘Building with Nature’ accreditation after demonstrating the protection of wildlife and ecology is at its core.
The 600-home site places emphasis on green infrastructure, promotes health and wellbeing for residents and enhances wildlife habitats.
It is framed by a boundary of woodland which is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species and its stormwater storage area has become home to a number of rare dragonflies.
Andy Peters, Vistry South West Midlands’ managing director, said: “The Vistry team worked exceptionally hard at Park Gate to incorporate sustainable practices into this beautiful development, prioritising accessible green infrastructure.
“It gives me real pleasure to see this development achieve such a prestigious accreditation, which can be summed up in the words of a resident who cited that the natural, woodland setting and the intention to protect and enhance nature were deciding factors in their decision to move to this site.
“I hope our success at Lea Castle will inspire more initiatives to prioritise both environmental conservation and functional infrastructure.”
Green features
The development features a variety of green infrastructure measures.
Among them are accessible green spaces for nature trails to encourage active living and connect residents to nature and wildlife habitats, such as bat barns and dormice nesting areas. These ensure ongoing monitoring and management of local eco systems.
The development, with its environmental priorities and its green infrastructure, has been created to high standards to fit in with the landscape and urban character.
The scheme was also built with a view of avoiding, mitigating, and compensating for impacts on existing biodiversity.
And it includes a Landscape and Woodland Management Plan to identify habitats and species within the site boundary and ensure the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
