Biodiversity at the fore of UK Housing
Ahead of the Place that COVID Built panel (9th Sept,10.50am) at Housing 2021 Sam Jones shares insight into environmental programmes designed to regenerate green space and enhance biodiversity.
The inter-relationship between urban green space, inequality, ethnicity, health and wellbeing was already widely acknowledged. Then the coronavirus pandemic and numerous lockdowns pushed it firmly to the fore. Visits to urban greenspace soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, cementing the role of green infrastructure as a life support system for the community.
But the vast areas of open space and trees housing associations manage aren’t only a benefit for residents, they’re also key to our planet’s recovery too.
The potential to maximise existing green assets is immense and, as yet, untapped. Housing associations have a ‘secret garden’ - pockets of underutilised land with the potential to become high quality green space. There is a huge opportunity to build back greener from COVID, and enhance biodiversity through the planting of tiny woodlands, habitat creation and maintenance to support nature’s recovery.
Local people are best placed to know the benefits that good-quality green spaces contribute to their community. But as industry leaders agree, many customers are yet to understand what net zero means, or the benefit sustainable green spaces would bring.
As more housing associations support their residents to engage with environmental sustainability and biodiversity enhancement, more of the benefits of green space will be felt by both community and planet.
Sovereign Housing Showcase
At Ground Control we support Sovereign Housing, helping to create customer awareness of the wider societal benefits green spaces can offer and facilitating community engagement in green spaces and biodiversity.
Planted in 2020, Sovereign Housing’s Lockdown Woods is a perfect example of the wider societal benefits that can be gained from a green communities approach. As it matures, the woodland will help reduce the housing association’s carbon footprint and become a wellbeing haven for the community.
In August 2021 we supported Sovereign Housing Association, delivering a Residents & Community Biodiversity Day on the Isle of White.
The event was a resounding success on many levels. It provided the housing association and Ground Control colleagues with the opportunity to reconnect with residents.
Residents engaged in biodiversity workshops and gained a new appreciation for nature on their doorstep. This is all part of an ongoing piece of collaborative work to ensure residents are involved in future decision making along with the local council.
At the Green Communities Summit back in July Nusheen Hussain, Home Group and Green Futures Partnership, called on fellow sector leaders to consider green placemaking and biodiversity enhancement holistically. Her view is that we must consider customer aspirations, inclusivity, accessibility, health & safety and ongoing maintenance, all in tandem when we’re designing these green spaces.
Sovereign Housing, and environmentally aware social landlords like them, are on the right path. Their approach factors in behavioural change, taking residents with them on the journey. The environmental programmes we’re delivering on their behalf will ensure that, post-COVID, green spaces are not only regenerated for communities, but also for wildlife and the planet.
Join us! Putting biodiversity at the fore of UK housing
Thursday 9th September - 10.50-11.35
Sam Jones, Housing Sector Lead, Ground Control joins a panel at Housing 2021 discussing the role green spaces play for the community. Hear from Sue Riddlestone, chief executive, Bioregional, Dusty Gedge, president, European Federation of Green Roofs and Walls, Chris Murray, head of strategic planning, Hampshire Council County (invited), and Clarion.
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