Biodiversity in Housing Network – sharing ideas and learning together

When we first started the Biodiversity in Housing Network (BHN), the idea was simple: for Stonewater to work in collaboration with others to create a space for housing providers to share ideas, learn from each other and be honest about what works and what does not when trying to protect and enhance nature across our estates.

The network, in its earliest form, the Housing Provider Biodiversity Lead Network, was set up in late 2023, starting with four housing associations. With growing membership, the network was revamped in early 2025 with a new, simpler name and currently has 93 members across 47 housing associations. The network has grown into something really practical. Members are at different stages, from writing strategies to delivering projects on the ground, and that mix of experience is what makes the group so useful.

Sharing ideas and learning together:

One of the best things about the BHN is how open members are, sharing real examples. We have talked about resident engagement, grounds maintenance, procurement, data, and the everyday challenges that come with making biodiversity projects happen.

Over the last few months, we have also been holding planning meetings to help shape the network together. These have been a very positive way to keep the ideas flowing, think ahead, and make sure the BHN continues to be led by what members find useful, including future topics, guest speakers and the new smaller working groups on grounds maintenance and policy and legislation.

In May, we held a BHN webinar in collaboration with Sam Jones from The Green Partnership with speakers from Choice Housing Ireland, Nuneaton and Bedworth Council, Fieldworks and Trustgreen. It was a really insightful session covering everything from creating biodiversity action plans to understanding BNG in planning, habitat banking and looking after biodiversity once construction is finished.

The Abri visit in Southampton:

A real highlight has been the recent visit to Abri’s Mansbridge Estate, a historic housing estate is Southampton, known for its extensive green spaces making it an ideal place to incorporate nature recovery features. Seeing the work on site made the learning feel much more real. It gave members the chance to ask questions, see what had been delivered and understand the detail behind the project.

Abri showed how biodiversity improvements can be shaped with residents, rather than done to them. Their work with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust helped build trust and get people involved. They also shared some great examples of working with partners such as Niche Environmental, including installing bee posts and wildlife signage, which can help boost biodiversity and spark community interest.

Keeping it useful:

The network is also building shared resources, including a case study template, so members can capture what they have learnt and share with others. This should help us avoid reinventing the wheel and give members more confidence to try new approaches.

For me, the real value of the BHN is the honesty in the room. With conflicting priorities, biodiversity in housing is not always straightforward, but by sharing openly we can help each other make our homes more resilient to climate change, creating places that work better for people and nature.

The BHN was also proud to be named as a finalist in the Unlock Net Zero Awards for Collaboration of the Year. It is a lovely recognition of the time, energy, and openness that members have brought to the network.

What this means for Stonewater:

For Stonewater, this learning is already making a difference. It is helping us think about how we design our own biodiversity projects, not just in terms of what we plant, but how we involve residents, work with colleagues across the organisation and make sure the improvements last. The more we learn from others, the better prepared we are to create places that feel good for people and support nature too.