Ecology

Theme 7: Ecology

Increasing Green Space and promoting Biodiversity

We are committed to protecting the local environment and increasing green spaces near our homes. We actively seek opportunities to increase biodiversity by working with ecologists to identify any suitable areas of land as greenspaces.

One example is alongside Llys Gary Speed in Deeside which runs parallel to the A494. We have worked closely with Transport for Wales, who’ve agreed to let us plant biodiverse species on an area of approx. 1.5 acres.

We know it’s important to promote biodiversity wherever possible, and we want to make residents more conscious about how we affect the natural environment around us. Working with residents, we reduced the regular gardening schedule to reduce the frequency of grass cutting, with 30% grass sward left. We also encourage residents to take ownership of their greenspaces, not only to reduce service charges but to develop planting and flowering areas by the local community. It also supports their mental wellbeing and community cohesion.

For all new developments we actively look for innovative ways to create green spaces. As part of the planning application process, we undertake ecology assessments to understand the ecological and biodiversity impact on each site. We work collaboratively with local authorities, ecologists, arboriculturists, engineers and landscape architects to provide bespoke design solutions for each development. Through planning, we ensure sustainable drainage and water management systems create natural habitats and enhanced biodiversity.

For our current developments we’ve created allotment areas and orchards at Hen Ysgol y Bont and Pentraeth, Anglesey. At our development in Mynydda Isa, Flintshire we will create a wildlife trail leading to a bat house. In Valley Mart, Anglesey we have provided an acre of mitigation land in which we will plant wildflower turf to accommodate lizards.

At Glasdir, we’ve given over an acre of land to Denbighshire County Council, to help fulfil its commitment to become net carbon zero and ecologically positive by 2030. The land will be used for carbon sequestration and ecological improvement. Parts of the land will be used as a mini forest, open space with use by the local primary schools and childcare settings.