In recognition of its commitment to enhancing biodiversity and supporting natural habitats, a new housing development in Wichelstowe has received a prestigious ‘Gold’ award from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for its wildlife-friendly show complex gardens.
The Wildlife Show Garden Award, presented by the RSPB, applauds the efforts of Barratt David Wilson Homes South West in incorporating a range of features at the Orchards Rise show complex to nurture and sustain local wildlife.
These features include external bird and bat boxes, integral bird brick and bat boxes, bee boxes, hedgehog highways with associated homes, wildflower turf, scented gardens with native hedgerow, dead wood features, water butts, compost bins, and provisions for bird food and water.
Louise Ware, Sales Director at Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, highlighted the significance of the partnership with the RSPB, stating, “We’ve enjoyed a unique, eight-year national partnership with the RSPB – Britain’s largest nature conservation charity – which supports and provides us with tips, advice, and guidance. We’re determined to be the leading national sustainable housebuilder and are committed to creating places where nature can thrive.”
The partnership’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the award-winning show complex, with plans to incorporate hedgehog highways in future developments and the ambitious goal of installing 7,000 swift boxes across developments by the end of 2025.
The RSPB’s recognition of Orchards Rise underscores its role as a pioneering development in Wichelstowe, one of the largest local authority joint venture agreements in the country. Orchestrated by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council, the project will deliver 3,000 new homes, along with schools and community facilities.
Orchards Rise offers a diverse selection of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes, with prospective buyers able to explore the development through an interactive site map.
