WILDLIFE is now flourishing around Backford Hall near Chester thanks to the combined efforts of Jones Homes and Cheshire Ecological Services.
The two have a long history of collaborating on ecological projects around Jones Homes’ developments in the North West.
When Jones Homes embarked on the renovation of the Grade II Listed Backford Hall and its outbuildings, also creating an additional 45 homes within the grounds, Cheshire Ecological Services were called upon.
Together they designated an area of protected woodland, created new habitats by planting native species and managing wetland areas, and created a plan to ensure the protection of the wildlife on site going forward.
Now Cheshire Ecological Services, which is a consultancy arm of Cheshire Wildlife Trust, has hailed Backford Hall and Backford Park as a flagship ecological development.
Principal Ecologist Jim Grundy explained: “The ecological value of the site is far higher since Jones Homes began carrying out its ecological improvement work here. This is because large areas of non- native invasive shrubs that were dominating and extensively shading the woodland area have been removed and replaced with UK native trees and shrubs.
“Backford Park is a huge success story for a range of species, including great crested newts, which are endangered and protected by EU law. The number of adult newts has grown from a peak count of just 20 individuals prior to the works to 125 individuals post development with the count considered likely to rise in the coming years.
“Jones Homes’ developments across the North West have been sympathetic to the wildlife around them. They have recognised the value of conservation and been prepared to work with us to build a lasting relationship.”
Jones Homes sales advisor Heather Glenn (centre) with Natasha Firth and Jim Grundy from Cheshire Ecological Services inside the woodland at the Backford Hall development.
Under the guidance of Cheshire Ecological Services, Jones Homes has created areas where amphibians can hibernate, open spaces to encourage different species to thrive, bird boxes and self-contained, self-cleaning bat boxes.
The woodland, once of limited value to many species, is now a wildlife haven, featuring play areas and open spaces which residents and visitors can enjoy.
Birds, Bats, butterflies, frogs, toads newts and a huge variety of insects and invertebrates can be found within the woodland area, along with some rare specimen trees which were imported and planted by a former owner of Backford Hall. These specimen trees, including a Monkey Puzzle tree which is at least 150 years old, have been retained and preserved.
Gary Hardy, Managing Director at Jones Homes, said: “The legacy of a new homes development is much more than bricks and mortar. Aside from creating new communities, we have a responsibility to ensure we mitigate any impact on the ecology within a site.
“At Jones Homes we take this a step further and aim to improve the ecological environment as far as possible. We’re proud to say that this has been achieved within the grounds of Backford Hall and Backford Park.
“We will continue to work with Cheshire Ecological services to manage the woodland and wildlife areas to protect this legacy.”
To find out more about Backford Hall and Backford Park see jones-homes.co.uk
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