Plans to implement more wildlife friendly attractions at new housebuilding developments across the North-east have been unveiled.
Professor Chris Baines, a leading environmentalist and broadcaster, has launched the beginning of the second stage of a Gardening for Wildlife initiative, co-ordinated by environmental specialists Cramlington Organisation of Nature and the Environment (CONE), and the North-east branch of the House Builders Federation.
The launch coincides with the announcement of £5,000 funding for the project from the Environment Agency, which has joined the partnership.
An adviser for the HBF for the past 15 years, Chris has championed the cause of urban nature conservation.
He said: "Wildlife may be struggling in the rural countryside but it is thriving in our towns and villages, thanks largely to the rich habitat of private gardens.
"This initiative is helping builders and environmental experts to work together to add further to the wealth of wildlife habitat, helping to bring more nature close to home."
The scheme was introduced in March last year to encourage builders and buyers.
So far the project has seen eight of the region's major housebuilders pledge their commitment to use natural landscaping, to introduce plant species that will attract a wider range of insects and to develop showhome gardens that use bird boxes, ponds and hedgehog homes.
Since then, builders have distributed in excess of 4,500 Gardening For Wildlife booklets in welcome packs for customers to help them create nature-friendly gardens of their own, they have created three wildlife-friendly showhome gardens and held workshops for local school children.
Area Manager of the Environment Agency, Graeme Warren, said: "This is an exciting initiative that will help wildlife and environmental interests as an integral part of new building schemes.
"I am delighted that the Agency is able to support the project and I know that the £5,000 we are offering will give many positive benefits for wildlife."
Mick Sharpe, landscape officer at CONE, said: "The first phase of the project involved enlisting the support of the builders to encourage prospective buyers and new home owners to think about how to help wildlife thrive in their gardens.
"By launching the second stage of the project, we hope to attract even more support, including links with DIY stores to help promote wildlife friendly gardening."
The builders already committed to the scheme include Bellway Homes, Bryant Homes, Bowey Homes, Barratt Homes, Yuill Homes, George Wimpey North, Haslam Homes and Miller Homes.
Chair of the HBF Northern marketing group, Susan Latimer, said: "The wildlife in urban areas is far richer than any of us appreciate and in many cases there is more diversity of plants, animals and insects in city centres than in some agricultural landscapes."