'Small towns that feel more like mini-villages, which are designed to be beautiful, fit seamlessly into their local landscape' are what we need now, urges Prince's Foundation
A report by the Prince's Foundation has revealed a direct link between housing type and social benefits — so-called 'social capital', and that the homes in which we live, have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing.
Recommendations were made for better housing across the UK, providing sustainable developments and promoting long-term gains, rather than short-term profit.
'We need and deserve better standards of housing across the UK [...] and self-sustaining communities that will flourish for generations to come,' said Ben Bolgar, senior director at The Prince’s Foundation, which published the report alongside the University College of Estate Management.
'Today's report highlights the very real benefits to landowners and developers of moving away from the catastrophe of the monocultural housing estate in favour of small towns that feel more like mini-villages, which are designed to be beautiful, fit seamlessly into their local landscape and are well-connected. It is heartening to see this style of community springing up across the UK in a slowly-growing movement towards ethical, sustainable developments.'
Savills produced a financial study to go alongside the report that reveals the long-term economic benefits of taking a sustainable approach to house building.
'The findings provide clear evidence for why local authorities, policy makers, landowners, investors and developers should favour well thought out communities of which future generations will be proud,' added Ashley Wheaton, principal at University College of Estate Management.
Read the full report (Prince's Foundation)
Reduce plastics rather than replace, urge MPS
Biodegradable plastics could worsen marine pollution because there is no infrastructure in place to make sure they break down correctly.
A committee of MPs on the environment, food and rural affairs committee said the rapid introduction of such alternatives could actually increase plastic pollution.
On this day...
William Dugdale, one of England's best known antiquaries, was born in Warwickshire, on 12 September, 1605. As a scholar he was influential in the development of medieval history as an academic subject.
Celebrating and protecting our farms for future generations
Yesterday was #BackBritishFarming day, a chance to promote and protect Britain's vital farming sector for future generations.
Social media has been awash with posts of support, with farmers, politicians and members of the public sharing inspirational stories, pictures and videos.
A nation of litter louts
Britain is a nation of litter louts, according to Jeremy Paxman, patron of the Clean Up Britain group.
He will today (12 September) tell the UK’s largest waste and recycling conference that government efforts to tackle 'the soul-destroying problem' are 'utterly useless'.
The jackdaw thwarts tiresome pest
Gardeners at Ham House, Richmond, may have finally found a solution to the pesky box tree moth caterpillar.
The insects, which are widespread in the southeast, have been wreaking havoc at the estate, stripping leaves from garden hedges and risking destroying them completely.
Ham's team have struggled to control the pests, but in recent months a natural remedy has emerged in the form of the jackdaw.
Around 10 of the small crows have been spotted eating the caterpillars, and it appears they have developed a taste for the bugs.
And finally... A squirrel like you've never seen before
https://www.facebook.com/BBCSpringwatch/videos/2624723937558840/?__xts__[0]=68.ARBVLMYmZ_9HCxnkfKc-koDnVBHVs17Bj_OBetkXiFL5a034nppATGMami3wdJf1pjJAE6UGKOhLmeEQUd7Cr_wtm0r4eeD4gqXwm5_jaRD3a3AVPco087f-wa4V42QCRC1Mj6ZqV5yQFQ-FKeY3l0EmNOfR_8N6_I4nk-ICUsYYoeiCqdTeW3yAY1cCJWgmWguRHHx92IGqj2UnsYL1giAHD5SbQjrZlIf4If6y56gymPGwY6qak_D1VZcDUZSJ0CeuwlElu-X7CNhdWgls50VcyXzlPqv6VmDLpCez-rZV_k6zWy1UdN8K_TA8mslsojMYEtqe4Y8InKpcM2kwqct-dHdtKDHhXg_sBA&__tn__=-R
An albino squirrel was captured on camera in Bedfordshire this week. The rare variety of squirrel can struggle in the wild due to their brightly-coloured fur, although this one appeared to be flourishing.
Country Life Today: A £1.45 trillion investment could prepare the world for climate change
In today's news round-up, we explore how the world can prepare for climate change, find out what happened when a
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
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The brilliant tractor tribute to the NHS from a group of Warwickshire farmersPeople around Britain have been paying tribute to the efforts of our NHS workers at the time of the coronavirus pandemic — but few have been as creative and clever as this one.
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London's iconic red bus at risk and 6,000 year old chewing gum gives clues into our DNA historyCuts to industry subsidies and an increase in fares has left bus use at its lowest point ever, while DNA extracted from ancient 'chewing gum' allows scientists to decipher the genetic code of a Stone Age woman.
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90-million-year-old 'swimming dinosaur' skeleton found by dogs out walking in Somerset, and the nonchalant moths who don't bother fleeing enemiesA superbly intact dinosaur skeleton — described as being 'museum quality' — has been discovered on a beach in Somerset.
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Battle to ban 4x4s from the idyllic Lake District spot bequeathed by Beatrix Potter, eagle fights octopus and the 'snail's pace' climate talksThis morning we look at Little Langdale's fight for peace, reflect on the climate change talks in Madrid and discover the soundtrack for Brexit.
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Country Life Today: How Greta Thunberg shifted the dial on climate change — and the backlash shows just how muchThis morning we ponder whether Greta Thunberg is the Joan of Arc for the environmental movement, look at a key election — one from 19 years ago — and ponder the marvel of 'dad tidying'.
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Country Life Today: Great news for those who love our great country pubs — the years of decline are overThere is a great sign of health in the pub industry, we look back at Edward VIII's abdication message and fret about Greenland's melting ice.
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Country Life Today: Spain accused of being 'a deplorable choice' for UN climate conferenceA no-holds-barred assault on the Spanish fishing industry, Banksy raising awareness of the homeless and the woes of the Christmas jumper are in today's news round-up.
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Country Life Today: 'This is perhaps the ultimate wake-up call from the uncontrolled experiment humanity is unleashing on the world’s oceans'In today's round up, we examine why oxygen loss is putting oceans at risk, discover that action to cut air pollution brings almost immediate benefits to human health and find out which bird's arrival marks the start of winter in Gloucestershire.
