We aim to enhance the biodiversity around our Head Office in Swindon. It is our ambition to work towards The Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark – a standard that aims to certify the management of business landholdings for wildlife.
We aspire to continually improve the way we manage our sites, including how we protect the nature surrounding our buildings, and promote biodiversity, by establishing appropriate controls and working practices, for example; through our biodiversity management guide.
Through our biodiversity ambition we endeavour to promote and protect significant species and habitats relevant to our Head Office in Swindon and engage with local wildlife and community groups to enhance our learning and ensure a joined-up approach to biodiversity.
To manage and understand the potential impacts to our grounds, we will, where appropriate, undertake a biodiversity impact assessment before undertaking works, encourage colleague involvement to help increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues, and seek their support in conducting species surveys to promote the link between nature and personal wellbeing.
We understand the growing importance of ecology and biodiversity in the built environment, which is why we aim to:
- Comply with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, such as The Environment Act 2021 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations Updated 2022.
- Assess the biodiversity implications of new or emerging legislation to ensure that our business operations align with the principles outlined in our biodiversity management guide.
- Take steps to conserve and enhance biodiverse habitats around our Head Office in Swindon, to help benefit our employees and the environment.
- Mitigate negative impacts to biodiversity at our Head Office in Swindon, and promote biodiversity enhancements, where appropriate.
- Seek to ensure appropriate biodiversity protection and enhancement measures are in place when undertaking project or development work at our Head Office in Swindon.
- Seek to engage employees in nature-based activities, such as volunteering, and use of outdoor spaces for walking, eating and meeting to promote nature health and wellbeing.
- Seek to eliminate unjustified pesticide use (where cleaner alternative means are available to achieve the same aim), where feasible, and appropriate.
Our Biodiversity Standard is reviewed annually and approved by the Workplace, Property & Colleague Enablement Director.
Last updated: May 2025