HOUSING PROVIDER (SOUTH )
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire and stretching into Surrey, VIVID Housing Association stands as the largest provider of housing association homes in the region. With 33,000 homes and 72,000 customers under its wing, VIVID faced a unique challenge. Their estates, many of which were constructed in the 1960s, had remained largely unchanged, their green spaces reflecting an era long past. VIVID's vision was clear: to establish a road map to rejuvenate these communal areas, enhance biodiversity, and foster a sustainable, thriving environment for their residents.
Embarking on this transformative journey, we partnered with VIVID to craft a comprehensive Green Infrastructure Plan. The first step was a meticulous baseline assessment, where we delved into the current state of VIVID’s green infrastructure. Through this detailed analysis, we measured existing biodiversity and the carbon sequestration potential of the land.
Community engagement formed the heart of our approach. We reached out to residents, inviting them to share their views and aspirations for their neighbourhoods. This dialogue was crucial, ensuring that our plans were not only ecologically sound but also resonated with the people who would live among these green spaces.
Strategic planning was the backbone of our efforts. We identified ten priority estates where detailed landscape improvement plans could bring about the most significant changes. These plans were designed to be phased, targeting measurable enhancements in biodiversity and carbon offsetting potential by 2030. As part of our strategic framework, we established clear short-term (3 years), medium-term (7 years), and long-term (12 years) targets. These targets provide a structured roadmap for VIVID, enabling them to track progress and make informed decisions at strategic intervals.
Integration with existing initiatives was key. We aligned our efforts with VIVID’s ongoing Estates Improvement projects, ensuring a cohesive and holistic approach. Our solutions were designed to be resilient to future climate conditions, emphasising the use of native species to create sustainable, enduring green spaces.
To ensure the longevity and replicability of our efforts, we developed comprehensive guides for the delivery and maintenance of key green infrastructure elements. These guides included detailed instructions for creating and maintaining a wide range of practical ‘green options’. By providing these guides and specifications, we equipped VIVID’s staff with the knowledge and tools needed to efficiently implement and sustain these enhancements across multiple estates.
Furthermore, we designed a Biodiversity Net Gain process flow and model specifically for new developments. This model aligns with VIVID’s approach to enhancing existing green infrastructure and ensures that new builds contribute positively to biodiversity. It includes quality assurance post-delivery and contingencies to address potential failures.
Our action plans are set to be transformative. Across VIVID’s estates, our efforts will enable biodiversity to flourish, with diverse habitats and robust ecosystem services revitalising the landscapes. Residents will hopefully experience a renewed sense of satisfaction and pride in their surroundings, as enhanced green spaces aim to bring communities together and fostered a healthier living environment. Our climate-resilient solutions will enable these benefits to endure, promoting long-term sustainability. The strategic and informed integration of biodiversity in new developments will further solidify VIVID’s commitment to holistic, environmentally conscious growth.