A PARTNERSHIP which aims to boost biodiversity and promote wildlife, including at a Basingstoke housing development, has been extended.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds RSPB and Barratt Homes have renewed and extended their partnership, which aims to deliver more wildlife friendly housing across Hampshire and the south east, for another three years.

Barratt and the RSPB will work together to boost biodiversity and promote wildlife at developments, including at Chapel Gate, in Kingsclere Road, through initiatives such as hedgehog highways, wild bee friendly planting and swift bricks.

The first three years of the partnership saw both organisations work together to agree best practice on the best plants and shrubs to use in gardens, the best times in the year to survey species, and how to make good use of existing nature features on new developments.

Mike Clarke, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “The wildlife we see and hear where we live is important. Having birds, butterflies, bees, hedgehogs and other visitors in our gardens makes us feel good about where we live as well as improving our own sense of wellbeing. Unfortunately our natural world is in trouble, so it is vital that we look at how construction can be sympathetic to nature and how future communities can welcome wildlife. For three years the RSPB and Barratt Homes have been working together to create spaces for nature and wildlife, and I am pleased that we will be continuing our partnership for another three years, leading to more new neighbourhoods being designed with nature in mind.”

The partnership has received particular praise for designing an innovative new swift brick to support the birds with nesting sites in new homes.

Other awards for the partnership over the last three years have included a What House silver award for best partnership scheme and a BIG biodiversity challenge award for show home garden designs.

Julian Hodder, managing director for Barratt Southern Counties, said: “Our partnership renews our commitment to building great places that provide high quality homes and supports the environment for people and wildlife alike to thrive.

“We’ll continue to work together on nature friendly best practice that helps people, plants and animals alike become healthier and happier.”