Creating living, breathing environments

House builder Barratt Southern Counties is planting hundreds of new trees and thousands of plants and shrubs on its local new developments every year – the equivalent of creating a small wood from scratch.

Last year, the company not only planted over 250 trees and more than 7,800 shrubs, it created well over 11 acres of new green public space.

Barratt’s Southern Region managing director Gary Ennis said: “We are best known as builders of new homes, but these days we see our job much more as creating outstanding living environments. That means building homes and communities that integrate and enhance the landscape and, where possible, open up new green space. Planting new trees and shrubs - and preserving existing ones where we can – is a key part of that.”

Last year’s planting took place on a wide range of developments in Barratt Southern Counties’ area of operation, which spans Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex.

Among them is Highfields in Basingstoke, which is situated on an elevated 30 acre site, surrounded by the open reaches of the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Landscaping in the form of trees and shrubbery has been planted throughout the streets, squares and avenues of the development. The superb living environment created has a very strong sense of place, including five acres of open space for use by residents and the wider community.

At Highfields, Basingstoke prices start from £199,995 for a two-bedroom house and £220,995 for a three-bedroom house and £350,995. Visit barrattathighfields.co.uk.

Barratt@Watercolour in Redhill also sits within the peaceful surroundings of a nature conservation area. Here, Barratt Southern Counties has created plentiful green spaces, walkways and cycle ways throughout this scheme and even cultivated canal reed beds which run into the two stunning lagoons within the development.

Prices at Watercolour start from £340,995 for a four-bedroom house and £520,995 for five and six-bedroom houses. Visit barrattatwatercolour.co.uk

At Impress@Park 25, also in Redhill, Barratt Southern Counties has converted a disused industrial site into an eco-friendly mixed-use development which prioritises energy efficiency. The development features attractive avenues and cul-de-sacs, expansive green space, designated play areas, cycleways, footpaths, lakes and water features as well as an exciting mix of new properties.

Here, one and two-bedroom apartments are priced from £167,995 and four-bedroom houses are from £330,995. Visit barrattatpark25.co.uk

Alternatively, visit the website at Barratthomes.co.uk for more information.