A Yorkshire housebuilder has put the preservation and conservation of the region’s wildlife high on its agenda.
Persimmon Homes Yorkshire has joined forces with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to protect, maintain and enhance living landscapes for both the wildlife and future residents of Persimmon Homes’ new Warren Park development off Bawtry Road in Doncaster.
The major new housing development, on the former Manor Farm land, will bring almost 900 new homes to the area and will feature a village centre, shops, school, retirement accommodation and new green spaces and wetlands as habitats for wildlife expansion.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will take responsibility for the existing ancient woodlands on site, as well as manage the new wetlands and green spaces, developing them to the standard of a high quality nature reserve.
The Trust will ensure the area achieves its full potential in terms of environmental value and will look at hosting various organised events for the general public to encourage the local community to get involved and be inspired by their natural environment. Volunteering will also be promoted.
Andy Dalton, Potteric Carr Programme Manager from the Trust said: “Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will take on the responsibility of land management across the entire Persimmon site. We are looking forward to introducing a programme of regular family-friendly events and volunteering opportunities so residents and the general public can fully appreciate the fantastic green space being created, which will be developed to be rich in wildlife from butterflies to birds.
“We currently manage Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, which is to the west of the new housing development, and are working with Persimmon to ensure the environmental value of the surrounding area is maintained and improved.
“As part of the partnership an ecological buffer strip will be created between the housing development and nature reserve, ensuring it doesn’t impact on the existing site which is rich in wildlife. This strip will include newly created wetland habitat which will provide additional space for wildlife. “
Some of the species expected to benefit from the partnership include common lizards, purple hairstreak and ringlet butterflies, and bell heather.
Andy added: “The existing ancient woodland features areas of oak and birch trees, both native trees of significant conservation value, which contains established communities of species that we will conserve and develop.”
Work has begun on the development’s road infrastructure with a comprehensive build programme being implemented to minimise highway disruption.
Simon Usher, deputy managing director for Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “This is a major new development which will feature Persimmon Homes’ properties as well as our sister brand, Charles Church.
“The 100 acre site will be transformed and will not only bring much-needed new homes to the region but create new job opportunities.
“We are delighted to be working with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to ensure the environmental needs of the new community will be preserved for years to come.”
The first properties are expected to be released in the autumn this year.
To find out more about the Doncaster development and to register your interest call 01904 642 199 or click here.