22/04/2024
Flagship sets sights on green future with new biodiversity plan
Poppies growing in a wildflower meadow at St Andrews Place in Melton, Suffolk. Flagship Group is hoping to establish hundreds more such nature-friendly sites as part of its new biodiversity plan
Flower-filed meadows, wildlife havens and picnic areas are to take centre stage in a nature-friendly shake-up of what social housing looks like.
To mark Earth Day on April 22, Flagship Group is launching a biodiversity plan which aims to transform the way it manages its outdoor spaces by 2030.
David McQuade, chief executive of the region's largest social housing provider, said Flagship had a responsibility for its tenants’ wellbeing, as well as the health of the planet.
Mr McQuade said: “This means looking after our environment and tackling big problems like climate change and the loss of our wildlife and plants.
“The alarming pace of the climate and biodiversity crises poses significant risks globally, and closer to home, it threatens the wellbeing of our tenants and the communities we serve.
“The UK Climate Change Committee warns that as well as an increased risk of flooding, almost all UK homes are at risk of overheating by the end of the century, highlighting the urgency of the situation.”
Dan Salliss, Flagship Group's biodiversity and land manager, at a meadow where a wildflower meadow will be established in Horning, Norfolk
Flagship owns over 32,000 social rent houses across the east of England as well as over 10 million square metres - 1000 hectares - of land.
It plans to encourage wildlife by installing bird baths and houses, bug hotels and loggeries for stag beetles and other bugs in its green spaces. The use of harmful chemicals for suppressing weeds will be gradually reduced. Grass will be kept short in some areas and allowed to grow long in others, with mowed pathways providing access.
Picnic areas, benches and signage will help create places where people can connect to nature – boosting mental health.
Hedgerows, rather than fences or walls, could be used to mark boundaries and concrete areas will be reduced. Flagship will also research ‘biophilic design’ for new housing which seeks to connect people with the outdoors through greater use of plants, light and natural materials.
Mr McQuade said “simple yet impactful” actions such as planting more trees and creating meadows could cool local temperatures and reduce flooding.
He added: “We see a moral duty to contribute positively to these global challenges, and we aim to manage our lands responsibly, with a keen focus on enhancing the wellbeing of our tenants.
“It aligns with our ambitions for net zero and reinforces our purpose of providing homes and creating sustainable communities.”
Flagship is looking to work with other organisations and community groups to improve biodiversity. Anyone who wants to get involved or find out more can email biodiversity and land manager, Dan Salliss, at daniel.salliss@flagship-group.co.uk
Flagship Group chief executive officer David McQuade