Newland Homes has been recognised for the actions it takes for nature in the Bee Bold Awards, run by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Mayor, Dan Norris.

The independent housebuilder won a Space for Nature Award for its Great Oaks development near Yate in South Gloucestershire.  The judges praised Newland Homes for “setting a new standard for sustainable, nature-integrated housing” in this “pioneering” development.

The Bee Bold Awards aim to highlight the outstanding efforts of schools, businesses and community organisations that are transforming their spaces into havens for pollinators.

West of England Mayor, Dan Norris, said: “The Bee Bold Awards are all about recognising the amazing work happening to make the West of England the UK’s Bee and Pollinator Capital.  This year’s winners, from local community groups to global businesses, are taking vital action to see nature restored, reconnected, and recovering.”

Marcus Evans, Sales & Marketing Director for Newland Homes, comments “We’ve placed a strong emphasis on creating a development that harmonises with the environment while fostering a vibrant new community of 84 zero carbon homes.  We’re pleased that the Bee Bold judges recognised that Great Oaks is a place where people are connected to nature and where nature can thrive.”

Great Oaks is also the first housing scheme in the region to achieve a Building with Nature Design Accreditation from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the University of the West of England, placing nature at the heart of new development.

Circa 0.45 hectares of informal recreational open space is being created at Great Oaks: significantly exceeding the policy expectation.  Seven new allotments are being created for people to grow their own food and a meandering play area, complete with trim trail made of natural materials, will be provided for the younger residents.  Extensive wildlife corridors, including hedgehog highways, will also be introduced across the site.

The 84 zero carbon homes that will sit within this ecologically-rich landscape are packed with renewable energy features and achieve an EPC ‘A’ rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, providing cleaner and greener living for homeowners and transforming the way homes are designed and run.

The new homes at Great Oaks enable homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, thanks to their reliance on solar power and air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers.  This, combined with the high-quality green infrastructure, will significantly aid wellbeing, differentiating Great Oaks from other local developments.

A ten-year management plan is in place to achieve the successful establishment of the landscape at Great Oaks, to ensure that a thriving and diverse landscape is established and maintained for years to come.

Tailor-made appointments are available daily at Great Oaks, please call 01454 537993 to book.  For further information please visit: www.newlandhomes.co.uk/enginecommon or follow Newland Homes on socials @newlandhomes