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Housebuilder Bellway says it wants to boost biodiversity on its sites, having partnered with environmental conservation charity Plantlife.

The Newcastle-based developer intends to bring more natural habitats to its sites around the country with its show home gardens being designed for wild plants, insects and birds in the hope that buyers will take up the mantle in their own spaces. Bellway will also put efforts into education school children on the benefits of biodiversity.

The FTSE250 firm said it set itself the target of achieving at least 10% biodiversity net gain on all its new schemes submitted to planning from July 2023 onwards. It has developed 'design codes' - a set of rules for development - with Plantlife that it expects to finalise early next year.

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Bellway's pledge comes as the building industry faces implementation of new regulations from January which require developers to measure biodiversity of sites before providing 10% biodiversity gain - which could include off-site provision of habitats. The measure is intended to protect and preserve natural habitats.

Neil Beamsley, Bellway Group head of biodiversity, said: "This is such an important topic as we look to understand, and enhance biodiversity within our developments. By providing enhancements to habitats, we are working to find the best possible solutions for our customers and the communities we create and increase the prevalence of nature within every new development.

"Aside from the environmental benefits, there are well documented mental health benefits associated with being close to nature. The more we can incorporate natural environments into the communities we are creating, the better the quality of life for people living there.

"The first steps in our relationship with Plantlife have focused on harnessing the expertise of its team in creating best practice design guides. As the partnership evolves, we will roll out the methods we agree across our new developments. Our show home gardens will become educational spaces, where our customers can learn how their own gardens have potential to become wildlife havens."

Peter Dorans, director of business development for Plantlife, said: "The introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain from January next year is a great opportunity for the housebuilding sector to integrate space for nature into places for people. We're really pleased to be able to work with Bellway, recognising their commitment to deliver at least 10 pct of biodiversity net gain in their developments. We look forward to our joint expertise delivering the best possible outcome for people and nature."

Global charity Plantlife owns 24 nature reserves comprising 4,500 acres across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ. It also carries out lobbying and campaigning to support wild plant conservation.