Choice Housing has announced its partnership with Ulster Wildlife which will make biodiversity specifications standard in all fresh builds.

This commitment will be achieved through Choice's 'Sustainability and Energy Strategy'.

New and existing areas of land will be set aside to support nature and help increase wildlife interest levels in public open space. Choice Housing staff and tenants will also engage in conversations around biodiversity.

Five future Choice Housing developments will be assessed for ecological purposes as part of its 2023/24 'Design Guide' Review.

Wilton Farrelly, Group Director of Assets at Choice, said an event in Ballyclare involving volunteers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Bird's highlighted the opportunities that exist to make a positive environmental contribution.

He said: "As part of the conversations we had with volunteers, which included pointing out the threats faced by Swifts and the important role home builders can play in preserving their habitats, Choice Housing installed 'swift bricks' to the design of properties within The Square.

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"All bricks are occupied, and our tenants are delighted by the presence of these rare birds.

"The event at The Square reinforced the significant opportunities that Choice Housing have to minimise net-ecological loss in our new-build programme.

"Park Avenue will enhance the area by incorporating communal gardens and soft landscaping whilst occupants will benefit from the latest energy efficiency measures to save on bills and reduce emissions."

A total of eight swift bricks were delivered at the Ballyclare scheme as well as being included at Park Avenue in Belfast. Park Avenue is a £16.3 million mixed tenure scheme that will comprise 90 units once work has been completed by contractor EHA Group. Of this total, 63 have been set aside for social housing purposes and 27 will be private rented apartments for Maple and May Limited.

Vickie Chambers, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Ulster Wildlife said:

"We are delighted to be working with Choice to help ensure their new and existing sites are designed and developed in a way that contributes to nature's recovery.

"From advising on biodiversity enhancements such as bat and bird boxes, to increasing wildlife-rich public spaces, these gains for nature will also greatly benefit people’s health and quality of life. We look forward to seeing our partnership grow and, in the process, set a new standard for nature-friendly housing."