LOCAL housebuilders David Wilson Homes South Midlands and Barratt Homes Northampton, are planting bee-friendly plants in the gardens of its new homes in Northamptonshire as part of its continuing pledge to protect local wildlife.
The leading developers, who are working in partnership with the RSPB, will plant bee-friendly flowers and shrubs, which are rich in pollen and provide a long flowering season, in the gardens of their sales centres and show homes to help boost dwindling honey bee, bumblebee and other bee populations.
There are over 250 bee species in the UK, and most face threats such as loss of habitat, climate change and disease. They are vital to the food chain, with one in every three mouthfuls of food consumed by humans dependent on pollination, including apples, pears, onions, potatoes, cherries, chillies, carrots, margarine and herbs.
Jackie Day, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes South Midlands, said: “We want to raise awareness of the threat faced by bees, by planting specific plants in the gardens of our local developments.”
Alison Raine, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, added: “We hope that by doing this, not only will it benefit bee populations across the county, but it will also encourage our customers and other gardeners to do the same.”
Bee-friendly plants produce high levels of nectar and pollen which include poppies, lavender, heathers, geraniums, foxgloves and fruit trees.
The homebuilders also recently worked with the RSPB to publish a list of top tips to increase wildlife in gardens, including building a ‘bee B&B’ – for solitary bees to nest in and lay their eggs.
The RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert Adrian Thomas said: “The UK’s bee numbers are in decline, but planting the right mix of flowers, shrubs and bushes can help reverse this, as can putting up a simple bee hotel in a sunny position.
“We would like to see people feel inspired to help give nature a home after they visit one of Barratt Homes or David Wilson’s show homes, as even a few small changes in your garden can make a big difference for bees and other wildlife.”
Barratt Homes Northampton has homes available at St Margaret’s View in Crick, Saxon Rise in Brixworth, The Woodlands in Corby, Lake View at Priors Hall Park in Corby, Lyveden Fields in Corby, The Brackens in Brackley and Ladywell Park in Wellingborough.
David Wilson Homes South Midlands currently has homes available at Bertone Manor in Barton Seagrave, Moulton Rise in Moulton, The Gateway at Priors Hall Park and The Wickets in Earls Barton.
To find out more information about any nearby developments, call the David Wilson Homes sales team on 0844 811 4477 or the Barratt Homes sales team on 0844 811 3399. Alternatively you can visit www.dwh.co.uk or www.barratthomes.co.uk
