Councillors celebrate wildlife garden at Cala development in Arlesey
Central Bedfordshire Councillors have visited a new wildlife garden at Cala Homes’ new Samuel Gardens development in Arlesey to celebrate its unveiling.
Local sustainability consultant Stephen Macsweeney designed and planted the garden specifically with pollinators like birds and bees in mind, enhancing Cala’s existing Urban Wildlife Strategy.
Councillor Jodie Chillery, Central Bedfordshire Council ward member for Arlesey and Fairfield, and Councillor Tracey Wye Potton Ward member for Central Bedfordshire Council and Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, visited the development alongside representatives from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Stephen said: “As a retired property developer, I know the importance of prioritising sustainability in developments to ensure we’re protecting and improving biodiversity. Cala sets a wonderful example through its Urban Wildlife Strategy, and I’m grateful to be able to assist Cala’s purchasers in creating sustainable gardens for wildlife as well. It's a great way to reconnect people with nature.”
Samuel Gardens, like all Cala developments, will benefit from Cala’s Urban Wildlife Strategy, a nationwide initiative aimed at maximising opportunities to support wildlife in every new home and development. The strategy helps create habitats for declining species by incorporating features such as bird nesting sites, specialist hedgehog fencing, invertebrate bricks, bat boxes or roosting spots, and planting native trees.
At Samuel Gardens, Cala will plant 138 native trees across the development, add 114 swift nesting features, 114 bat roosting features, 20 bee bricks, seven bird nesting features and four insect hotels. Fences on the development are all hedgehog friendly.
Councillor Jodie Chillery said: “I am passionate about protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation. So, I was excited to help connect local conservationist Steve MacSweeny with Cala who are building in the ward I live and represent. It’s brilliant that new residents at Samuel Gardens will get the chance to see how to make their gardens a permanent home for local wildlife.”
The activity was delivered through Cala’s Showhome of Support initiative, which sees the homebuilder turn its showhomes into showcases for local businesses, artists, and independent retailers.
Featuring ten home-grown products - ranging from artwork and accessories to furniture and fabrics - it highlights emerging talent and small enterprises. This initiative offers visitors and future homeowners an authentic glimpse into the creativity and personality of each area, all while inspiring communities to live locally, shop locally, and support their neighbours.
Showhome of Support forms part of Cala’s Community Pledge, which goes above and beyond planning obligations, offering tailored support to local communities. Through volunteering, education programs, sponsorships, donations, and bespoke initiatives, the Pledge delivers meaningful assistance where it’s needed most. This reflects Cala’s commitment not only to building homes but also to strengthening local communities.
Jason Colmer, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for Cala Homes (North Home Counties), said: “We know that the UK is facing a wildlife emergency, and the housing industry is ideally placed to support nature’s recovery by introducing new habitats at scale.
“By introducing new habitats for birds, insects and small animals on all our upcoming developments, we can ensure these small residents have room to thrive alongside our homebuyers. Stephen’s amazing wildlife garden is a great example of how small changes can help to build back rich ecosystems and we’re so pleased to have been a part of its installation.”
For more information on the Community Pledge and how to apply, visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/sustainability/people-and-communities/community-pledge/nhc-community-pledge/