Another rare insect – the Emperor Dragonfly has also made the new biodiverse development its home, a development that achieved ‘Building with Nature’ accreditation in 2021. Vistry, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, has seen incredible success in its stormwater impounding pool at the Homes England site.
The innovative stormwater storage area has not only proven effective in managing water resources and preventing flooding but has also become a thriving habitat for a variety of rare and exciting species. Vistry Group’s commitment to environmentally conscious development practices has contributed to the conservation of freshwater ecosystems.
Adam Sharpe, Vistry’s managing director of South West Midlands, said: "We are delighted to witness the positive impact our stormwater storage area has had on the local biodiversity. The presence of these rare insects highlights the importance of incorporating sustainable practices into urban development. We hope that our success at Lea Castle will inspire more initiatives to prioritise both environmental conservation and functional infrastructure."
Eiryl McCook, senior planning manager, Homes England said: “It is fantastic news that these dragonfly species are at Lea Castle. This is clear evidence that it is possible to enhance biodiversity whilst simultaneously providing much needed homes. Building with Nature has been an essential tool that has helped to achieve this great outcome”.
The former Lea Castle hospital site near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, is surrounded by woodland which is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species.
In order to create a community that works in harmony with this unique setting, Vistry and Homes England worked with partners at Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Partnership and Borough and County ecologists to develop a framework for green infrastructure at Lea Castle, proposing measures in the outline planning application which would safeguard and enrich the existing environment.
In June 2021 Vistry was awarded a Building with Nature Design Award for this development, demonstrating that the scheme’s design had gone beyond statutory requirements to deliver a high standard of green infrastructure for people and wildlife.