Where Housing Meets Habitat: An Ecology Case Study

At Land Studio we work with landowners, agents and developers through the provision of technical information on landscape, drainage and ecology for integration into the site layout design and for submission with a planning application.

On a recent residential development project in Worcestershire, our team worked together to integrate biodiversity into the design from the outset, creating a place where both wildlife and residents can thrive. 

Rather than viewing biodiversity as a constraint, we identified some small opportunities to enhance the design through a range of simple and relatively cheap, but effective features that provides long-term ecological benefits while enriching the living environment for future homeowners. Our recommendations included:

Bat Bricks and Bat Boxes
Integrated roosting features that provide valuable shelter for bats, helping to support local populations and encourage natural pest control through insect predation. Designed within the architecture and throughout the landscape these are relatively cheap, easy wins towards nature resilience.

Universal Nest Bricks and Sparrow Terraces
Similar to bat boxes nest boxes were incorporated into the architecture with careful consideration given to positioning and orientation. Avoiding southern elevations where excessive heat could affect nesting success, these features provide much-needed nesting opportunities for a variety of bird species.

Hedgehog Highways
By providing ecological corridors within the site design and incorporating small gaps within garden fencing, or removal of fencing entirely, hedgehogs can then move freely between gardens and green spaces. This improves habitat connectivity and access to food and shelter.

Insect Boxes and Insect Towers
When incorporated within the landscape design these features can create nesting and overwintering opportunities for pollinators and other beneficial insects. This supports the wider ecosystem and helps to maintain healthy, biodiverse landscapes.

Habitat Creation and Management

In addition to species-specific features, we also identified opportunities to enhance the site's overall ecological value through habitat creation and management. There is a requirement in England for 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

We therefore recommended the planting of new native hedgerows, additional native trees, and the enhancement of existing grassland areas. By providing a variety of ecological niches, the development can then help support a wider range of species and contribute to local biodiversity objectives. 

The importance of early engagement of an ecologist within the site layout design is key. Through provision of a baseline assessment, before the site layout had been developed, meant that we could achieve the best out of the site’s green spaces in conjunction with the landscape design. Working together with a common goal doesn’t always have to cost more money. Just getting involved in a project at the right time to have the most influence can often save money but also allow the best biodiversity enhancements to be designed for and provided for on a site.

The long-term impact of this for residents and nature decline means that we can

• Provide increased opportunities to experience wildlife close to home, especially in areas of the UK that are not close to open green spaces or parks.
• Provide more attractive and engaging green spaces so ensure these spaces are looked after, welcoming and give something back to the community where possible.
• Provide spaces for enhanced wellbeing and teaching support through everyday connections with nature.
• Provide an increase pollination of wider green spaces and community planting areas.
• Provides placemaking that contributes positively to nature recovery.

Thoughtful ecological enhancements do not just benefit wildlife. It can help towards creating healthier, greener and more enjoyable places for people to live alongside nature. Through good site design and the integration of simple ecological features new developments, especially residential developments, can play an important role in supporting biodiversity while creating vibrant communities for future generations.

If you have a residential development you would like to talk to us about then please get in touch at info@landstudio-uk.com