Linden Homes hosted a ‘Discover Nature’ event at its Oak Farm Meadow location in Stowupland to give visitors an insight into the steps it is taking to protect wildlife habitats and improve biodiversity.
Residents from the development and the wider community were invited down to the site at the western edge of the village on Friday 28 July for a day of fun activities and talks led by wildlife experts.
Children were given wildlife activity sheets to complete and guests were also able to see the community orchard and wildlife garden at the development on tours conducted by Nicole Quinn and Richard Kent from Giles Landscapes, the company which has carried out the landscaping on the site.
Oak Farm Meadow, where Linden Homes is building 143 homes, incorporates several features aimed at supporting and protecting wildlife, such as woodland areas, bird and bat boxes, and hedgehog highways - low-tech holes placed at ground level in fencing and other barriers to help the creatures roam freely at night.
Jason Colmer, sales and marketing director at Linden Homes, said: “It is incredibly important that housebuilders like ourselves consider the potential impacts of our developments on local wildlife and do whatever we can to protect their natural habitats. Oak Farm Meadow is a prime example of what can be achieved when developers work in partnership with local councillors and conservation groups to design schemes that create safe and welcoming environments for not only the people but also the animals that live there.
“As well as strengthening our relationship with these organisations, the event was also a great opportunity to showcase the work we have done at Oak Farm Meadow to support biodiversity. It was great to see so many people of all ages come down to enjoy a fun and educational day which we hope raised awareness of this very important issue.”
Hugh Warwick from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society delivered talks about the importance of protecting the local wildlife and habitats, while Suffolk Wildlife Trust members John and Carolyn Thompson were also in attendance.
Hugh said: “Any opportunity to help share information about the conversation of hedgehogs is massively welcomed by us at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
“The potential that developers have for creating a landscape that can help hedgehogs make new homes among the new homes is great – and must be encouraged.”
Also present at the event were Don Mobley and Gemma Whitehouse from Stowupland Biodiversity Group, and local Green Party councillors Keith Welham and Rachel Eburne.
Councillor Welham, who represents the ward of Stowmarket North and Stowupland on Suffolk County Council, said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to be involved in proposals for community involvement in managing and developing green spaces within the development. It is vital that these spaces make a long-lasting contribution to the wellbeing of residents and biodiversity of the area.”
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