2.5 A home for nature
To enhance biodiversity, bird boxes, swift bricks, bat boxes, and bee bricks must be included on all new dwellings.
In new developments, artificial grass must not be installed. It reduces biodiversity, contributes to overheating and prevents soil regeneration.
To support habitat connectivity, all front and rear garden boundary features should include hedgehog highways.
Within streets, grass verges should utilise a species rich, or wildflower, seed mix to create varied habitat and food sources for insects and invertebrates. A maintenance regime to ensure verge planting does not restrict visibility for vehicle users should be included in management and maintenance plans.
Greenery such as green roofs and living walls could be incorporated in developments with limited green space (e.g., flats or offices in a town centre).
