We must all take responsibility for our local wildlife

We’re facing a climate emergency, and the State of Nature Report 2023 shows that wildlife in England is rapidly declining. As one of the largest housing providers in the UK (and a major landowner), we recognise our role in reversing this decline with our Biodiversity Pathway to 2030.

I’m incredibly proud to launch a specific document that sets out a clear route to positively improving biodiversity.

Our plans detail how we’ll support nature recovery across 12% of our land portfolio, which includes grass, woodland, shrubs, green roofs and waterways covering 150 square hectares. This is not just good for the environment – it also benefits our residents and there are cost efficiencies to be gained.

We also manage 13,000 trees and can influence responsible wildlife management in 26,000 private gardens. This comprehensive document is supported by a detailed and bespoke action plan that sets out specific, measurable targets to achieve our objectives.

We know our residents are passionate about the environment and feel strongly about improving and increasing biodiversity and open spaces. How do we know this? Because they’ve told us during a consultation to which we had more than 1,500 responses.

Good-quality open space is a key factor in determining residents’ satisfaction with their home and neighbourhood. In fact, our pathway plan was co-created with residents, staff, local authorities, conservation charities and an environmental consultant.

“By recognising the importance of biodiversity, we’re not only safeguarding the natural world but also securing the future of our residents”

We carried out surveys and organised workshops, creating targets to empower residents to support biodiversity at home, in communal gardens and in their communities.

Preserving biodiversity is not only a strategic necessity, it’s the right thing to do.

Biodiversity underpins the stability and sustainability of our planet, and we must play a responsible role in protecting it.

By recognising the importance of biodiversity, we’re not only safeguarding the natural world but also securing the future of our residents by maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems, upon which we all depend.

Karin Stockerl, executive director of assets and sustainability, Southern Housing