Insights from the Housing 2025 Conference
At the recent Housing 2025 conference, one message came through loud and clear: nature must be a central pillar in the future of housing and placemaking. From policy leaders to developers, there was a shared recognition that biodiversity, green infrastructure, and access to nature are no longer ‘nice to haves’—they’re essential. As we scale up our ambitions in urban design and masterplanning, the conversations from Housing 2025 reinforced the need to quantify nature’s value not only in ecological terms but also through its economic and social contributions.
Why Biodiversity Matters in Placemaking
Well-designed green infrastructure does more than create attractive surroundings. It improves community wellbeing, supports mental health, reduces urban heat, and can even add measurable economic value to a development. According to Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework, integrating biodiversity early in the planning process can:
- Enhance land value
- Increase footfall
- Make spaces more desirable to live, work, and play in
The Environment Act 2021 now requires developments in England to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)—further reinforcing the importance of nature-led planning.
Reconnecting Communities with Nature
An emerging concept in urban design is ‘daylighting’—the process of uncovering and restoring rivers previously buried beneath concrete or infrastructure. A notable UK example is Capital&Centric’s project in Buxton, which draws inspiration from international successes like the Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration in Seoul, South Korea.
These projects don’t just revive ecosystems—they boost tourism, support local businesses, and raise property values, offering measurable economic and environmental returns.
Lessons from Successful Case Studies
Closer to home, the London Wildlife Trust has partnered with developers such as Berkeley Group to integrate thriving habitats within new residential schemes—like at Kidbrooke Village. These collaborations prove that biodiversity doesn’t have to be an afterthought; it can sit at the core of sustainable development.
Similarly, the Bradford City Centre Green Infrastructure strategy has brought new planting, public realm upgrades, and tree corridors that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and increase civic engagement.
Designing for People and Nature
When we design a new space, we must ask: What do we want people to do here?
Should the space invite people to sit on the grass, take part in gardening clubs, or simply enjoy a calm natural retreat in a busy city?
These questions help shape how we balance ecology with accessibility. By using tools like the Building with Nature Standards, we can ensure public spaces are not only sustainable but also welcoming and functional for diverse communities.
Building for the Future
As we continue to develop and masterplan housing and public spaces, embedding biodiversity and green infrastructure is no longer just an environmental consideration—it’s a commercial and social one too.
By valuing nature as an integral part of our projects, we can deliver spaces that:
- Stand the test of time
- Enhance mental and physical wellbeing
- Drive long-term economic benefits
Nature is not an add-on—it’s a core asset in the future of placemaking.