Member Article

TRUST TO MANAGE WILD SPACE AT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has taken on the responsibility of the wild spaces around a housebuilder’s development in Doncaster.

The management transfer from Persimmon Homes is the first partnership of its kind in the region, showing how new-build communities can maintain and enhance living landscapes for both the wildlife and residents.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is taking the responsibility for the existing ancient woodlands on site, as well as managing the green spaces and new wetlands habitats for wildlife expansion.

The charity works to protect and conserve over 100 nature reserves in Yorkshire, creating and protecting wild places and wildlife for all to enjoy. The new site sits directly to the east of one of its largest nature reserves - Potteric Carr.

Potteric Carr is an important wetland habitat, providing a haven for wildlife in a landscape dominated by arable farming and industry.

Michael Rogers, regional manager for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Over the past century we have lost natural habitats on an unprecedented scale. Persimmon’s new development, working in partnership with the Trust, shows that it’s possible to have both homes for people and wildlife.

“Residents can enjoy birdsong, reap the benefits of sustainable drainage systems which soak up floodwater, and enjoy the habitat that plants, bees and other pollinators need to survive.

“We are very excited to start working with local residents at the development to make their neighbourhood somewhere they can relax and be immersed in the natural world around them.”

The transfer of land management will take place in stages with the ancient woods and section of the wetland forming part of the first phase.

The housing development will bring almost 900 new homes to Bessacarr and will feature a village centre, shops, school and retirement accommodation in the coming years.

Simon Usher, Yorkshire regional divisional director at Persimmon Homes, said: “Our new community in Bessacarr features Persimmon Homes properties, as well as executive housing from Charles Church.

“This is a significantly important development both in term of community expansion and our natural surroundings. We are delighted to have secured Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s partnership ensuring the developments environmental needs will be preserved for the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Persimmon Homes .