Homes for Nature is an initiative developed by the Future Homes Hub’s On-Site Nature Measures Working Group and is in addition to the Biodiversity Net Gain regulations.

The Homes for Nature commitment will see a bird-nesting brick or box installed for every new home built, as well as hedgehog highways as standard on every new development taken through planning from 1st September 2024 for participating companies.

With 28 homebuilders, who build more than 100,000 homes a year, already signed up for the voluntary commitment, the move represents a major step towards providing the minimum of 300,000 nesting bricks and boxes thought to be required to support swift populations and many more bird species across the country. The number of signatories and, therefore, committed nesting brick installation continues to grow.

In addition to integrated nest bricks, boxes and hedgehog highways, homebuilders are encouraged to incorporate additional features, such as bat roosts, insect bricks and hibernacula. Away from the home, nature-led sustainable urban drainage systems and pollinator-friendly landscaping help to make even more homes for nature on new developments.

The On Site Nature Measures Working Group has worked with organisations such as the RSPB, Action for Swifts and Hedgehog Street, to develop the technical and customer guidance for installation of the nature measures across development sites. The Homes for Nature Guidance Document is now available to view on our members portal for signatories of the scheme.