Creating and sustaining greener environments for all

Collaboration for greater biodiversity outcomes within housing.  

For Suzanne Le Sauvage, joining Stonewater two years ago marked an exciting new chapter in a career grounded in environmental action. With 15 years at the Environment Agency — working across water quality, enforcement and team leadership — she brought a wealth of experience to the housing sector and stepped into a role with wide-reaching potential.

Now as Environmental Sustainability Business Partner – Water & Ecology, Suzanne’s work sits at the intersection of people, places and the planet — from supporting resilience to climate change, to enhancing biodiversity across Stonewater’s extensive portfolio of homes and green spaces.

“It was a brilliant opportunity. Stonewater had already set strong sustainability ambitions, and I saw real scope to make an impact — especially with biodiversity, which was beginning to get more attention sector-wide.”

Yet, like many who enter housing from environmental or specialist backgrounds, Suzanne quickly realised that building momentum for nature-based action could be a journey of learning, influencing, and navigating a broad organisational landscape.

“Housing is a collaborative and passionate sector, but biodiversity as a focus is still emerging. I knew there must be others like me working on these challenges — and I thought, why not bring us together?”

The Start of Something Bigger

That idea grew into the Biodiversity in Housing Network (BHN) — a peer-driven initiative to support housing professionals in embedding nature into the places they shape and manage. What began as a small cluster of peers has since grown into a dynamic network of over 60 members representing 31 housing organisations across the UK.

Importantly, BHN is not just for environmental roles. Its membership spans sustainability, development, policy, estates, communities, finance and more — reflecting the fact that biodiversity has become a cross-cutting priority, touching everything from green infrastructure and placemaking to resident wellbeing and retrofit.

“The diversity of roles involved is one of the network’s strengths. Biodiversity isn’t just about green spaces — it’s about how we build, how we engage, how we manage land, and how we deliver value to communities.”

Suzanne is quick to emphasise that BHN isn’t a side project — it’s an evolving, structured initiative. The network has formal Articles of Association, a steering group of active members (including The Green Partnership), and a clear meeting rhythm with a six-weekly virtual catch-up focused on sharing challenges, solutions, and resources.

Action, Not Just Talk

Between meetings, members stay connected through a SharePoint hub, a LinkedIn group, and live chat threads where everything from draft strategies to delivery tools are exchanged. The network also hosts webinars, spotlight sessions and in-person events — all designed to support professional development, highlight innovation, and showcase real-world delivery.

“It’s a practical space. Whether you're starting out or deep into project delivery, the network helps you move faster, make better decisions, and connect with people facing the same questions.”

That connectivity is particularly valuable given the pace of change across the housing sector. From the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain to local nature recovery strategies and increasing scrutiny of green estate management, many providers are navigating new ground — often under pressure.

BHN helps members share responses to these shifts and identify opportunities to collaborate. Suzanne is now leading work to explore landscape-scale partnership delivery, identifying areas where housing providers operating in the same geography can join forces for greater impact.

“Nature doesn’t recognise land ownership boundaries — and we shouldn’t either. There’s huge potential to create connected, resilient spaces if we work beyond our silos.”

At Stonewater, biodiversity is a key thread in the organisation’s developing environmental strategy. Suzanne is helping shape its integration across services and projects, and she credits BHN as a valuable support mechanism in navigating a complex and evolving agenda.

“No single organisation has all the answers — but collectively, we can make real progress. The network helps build that confidence and capability.”

Looking Ahead

“If I had to choose one word to describe where we are as a sector, I’d say: hopeful. There’s energy, there’s appetite, and there’s a shift in mindset that’s really encouraging.”

Want to join the network?

“Get involved. Whether you’re writing a strategy, scoping a project, reviewing your grounds maintenance, or just curious — there’s a place for you in the network. It’s a space to ask, learn, share and shape action together.”

Email Suzanne at Suzanne.LeSauvage@stonewater.org 

Join the LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13184140/ 

Suzanne’s Top 5 Tips for Getting the Most from the Biodiversity in Housing Network

“The more you put in, the more you get out — and small contributions can have a big impact.”

1. Turn up, even if you’re not sure what to say – Just being in the room can spark ideas and connections. You don’t need to have all the answers — we’re all learning.

2. Use the SharePoint — it’s a goldmine – There’s so much already there — strategies, templates, funding links. Don’t start from scratch if you don’t have to.

3. Connect with others in your area – We’re starting to see real potential for collaborative projects where organisations overlap. Reach out — you might find a perfect partner.

4. Ask questions in the chat – No question is too small or too niche. Chances are someone else is working through the same thing — or has already solved it.

5. Share your story — even if it’s a work in progress – People often wait until something’s ‘done’ to talk about it. But sharing mid-journey helps others, and gives you valuable feedback too.