The statistics paint a grim picture: pollinator populations and diversity, essential for our food supply, are in steep decline; hedgehog numbers have dropped significantly; bird populations are dwindling and habitats are deteriorating. The soundscape that is nature is growing fainter.

Yet, there's hope. The Restore Nature Now march, which drew thousands of people to London’s streets last weekend, underscores public concern and recognition of nature's value and the urgent need for action.

That's why I'm delighted that 21 leading housebuilders, who between them build more than 90,000 homes a year, have united to develop and sign up to the Homes for Nature commitment.

The commitment highlights the vital role housebuilders can play in creating sustainable, nature-friendly spaces. Often seen as part of the problem, housebuilders can be the driving force behind solutions that make a real impact.

The Homes for Nature commitment targets all new development proposals from September 2024 and includes:

• One bird-nesting brick or box for every new home built
• Hedgehog highways on all developments as standard
• Recommendation to include bat roosts, insect bricks, nature-friendly sustainable drainage systems and landscaping that supports pollinators
• Annual reporting of progress and reviews for at least 5 years

Developed by the On-Site Nature Measures Working Group, convened by the Future Homes Hub, we are now working on the technical guidance with input from organisations such as the RSPB, Action for Swifts, the Hedgehog Street campaign, and the NHBC.

Some may view this as being mere lip service. However, as well as going beyond Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, it's important to acknowledge the extensive work that has gone into creating the commitment over the last nine months.

We are committed to following up with signatories, while open and regular reporting will help to ensure these promises translate into real-world changes.

The impact of these efforts could be profound. By providing more nesting sites for birds, we can help species like the swift recover. Creating access points through gardens and open spaces will help hedgehogs find food, safety, and mates. The vision is a future where nature thrives alongside people, becoming the norm rather than the exception.

This is a call to action. If you work for a housebuilder that has not yet signed up, encourage them to make the commitment to build Homes for Nature. At an individual level, install bird boxes at home or ensure your garden is accessible to hedgehogs. Whether it’s a window box or a whole garden, plant for with those amazing pollinators; every small action counts.

Together, let’s create a future where both people and nature flourish.

View the Homes for Nature commitment.