DAVID Wilson Homes is planting “bee-friendly” plants in the gardens of its new homes at Mill Springs, Whitchurch.

The developer, which is working in partnership with the RSPB, will plant bee-friendly flowers and shrubs, which are rich in pollen and provide a long flowering season, in the gardens of its sales centres and show homes to help boost dwindling honey bee, bumblebee and other bee populations.

There are more than 250 bee species in the UK, and most face threats such as loss of habitat, climate change and disease.

Michelle Storer, sales director for David Wilson Homes, said: “Supporting the communities we work in is important to us and that doesn’t just apply to our two-legged neighbours. Bees play an important part in the UK’s animal ecosystem and we are delighted to be able to support them in this way.

“We want to raise awareness of the threat faced by bees, by planting specific plants in the gardens of our local developments which will benefit bees, and by encouraging our customers and other gardeners to do the same.”

Bee-friendly plants include poppies, lavender, heathers, geraniums, foxgloves and fruit trees.

The housebuilder is due to launch its development of two, three and four bedroom homes at Mill Springs later this year.

For further details of the homes call 0844 5710 385 or visit www.dwh.co.uk