National housebuilder Bellway has formed a new partnership with nature restoration company Nattergal to meet its biodiversity targets.

The company is working with Nattergal as part of the redevelopment of the former Harold Wood Hospital site in Romford, where work is due to start later this year on the construction of 96 new homes at The Comptons.

New requirements mean that developments must now deliver a 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), aiming to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before. Bellway, which adopted the new standard six months earlier than required, now aims to exceed this target with its BNG+ commitment, as part of its overarching Better with Bellway sustainability strategy.

However, meeting a 10 per cent BNG was not technically feasible at the Harold Wood Hospital site, so Bellway has worked with Nattergal, which has rewilding sites in Essex, Lincolnshire and Norfolk, to purchase off-site habitat units.

In addition to the BNG requirements, Nattergal will create a new habitat for slow worms which are currently on the development site and safely relocate them.

Neil Beamsley, Bellway Group Head of Biodiversity, said: “Bellway has taken a significant step towards meeting the new BNG planning obligations by purchasing our first off-site habitat units.

“However, our collaboration with Nattergal extends beyond BNG. They will also create a new habitat for a population of slow worms currently residing at the Harold Wood site, ensuring their safe relocation to facilitate development.

“This integrated approach to nature mitigation is a cornerstone of Bellway’s BNG+ promise, which aims to exceed the minimum 10 per cent biodiversity gains, delivering more ambitious and positive outcomes for nature and communities.

“It’s been inspiring to see the diligence and integrity with which Nattergal approach their work, and Bellway is more than happy to support this.”

Nattergal works by channelling private finance to support the ’30 per cent by 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework’ goals, which are to protect and conserve at least 30 per cent of land and sea for biodiversity by 2030.

For more information about Bellway’s sustainability strategy and biodiversity priorities, visit https://sustainability.bellwayplc.co.uk/biodiversity.