08/06/2026
We believe great places are built not just for people, but for nature too. That’s why we’ve funded a new Wildlife Legacy Garden for residents. The application was led by Shan, a Red Kite tenant, who was a key driver in pushing the project forward and gaining support from other tenants at New Court. Working in partnership with Red Kite Community Housing, residents at New Court in Marlow, and local artist and wildlife advocate Natasha from ArdenWild, we have been transforming an underused corner of the development into a thriving wildlife haven designed to support both biodiversity and community wellbeing.
The project focuses on carefully managing vegetation while protecting and enhancing habitats for local wildlife, with a particular focus on hedgehogs. Despite its modest size, the area provides an important refuge for nature within an urban environment and demonstrates how small interventions can make a significant difference.
The space is developing to include:
🌿 Native wildflowers, bulbs and ferns to support pollinators
🦔 Hedgehog baskets, hedgehog highways and dedicated drinking stations
🐦 Bird boxes and habitat features for nesting wildlife
🐝 Bee hotels and insect-friendly planting
🪵 Log piles, stumperies and rotting wood habitats
🌱 Compost habitats and climbing plant trellises
💧 Rainwater collection to support local wildlife
🌳 Natural chestnut and hazel fencing designed to blend with the environment
Beyond its ecological benefits, the project creates opportunities for residents to connect with nature, relax outdoors and strengthen community ties. Residents at New Court can share stories of their hedgehog sightings, creating conversations, friendships and a shared sense of ownership over the space.
Natasha helped shape a vision that brings people and wildlife closer together, proving that even the smallest wild spaces can have a meaningful impact. This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering social value alongside construction projects, leaving a positive legacy that benefits communities long after the works are complete.