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Peveril Homes' Woodcroft development in Moira is an inspiring example of how we are successfully integrating green infrastructure into new housing estates, setting a benchmark for sustainable, environmentally focused residential developments.
27 Feb 2025
Peveril Homes' Woodcroft development in Moira is an inspiring example of how we are successfully integrating green infrastructure into new housing estates, setting a benchmark for sustainable, environmentally focused residential developments.
Designed with our input and guidance at every stage, the development prioritises biodiversity, tree planting, and accessible green spaces.
Originally an unallocated greenfield site, local planning authorities advised Peveril Homes to work with us to ensure the development aligned with the Forest's environmental goals.
From initial concept to final plan submission, our team provided guidance which Peveril Homes embraced to enhance both the landscape and residents' quality of life.
“Our Woodcroft development sits in the picturesque surroundings of the National Forest, so it was important to us to ensure our homes and green spaces reflected this,” explained Peveril Homes sales and marketing director, Stuart Brookes.
“We’ve collaborated closely with the National Forest team to create special areas aimed at bringing residents together and to experience the pleasure of nature and the outdoors – complete with fruit hedges, natural planting, and areas of wildflower.
“This award-winning development certainly has the ‘wow’ factor.,” he added.
Key features of Woodcroft include:
Woodland planting and habitat creation with predominantly native tree species to enhance biodiversity.
Preservation of mature trees to enrich the landscape and maintain ecological continuity.
A wildflower meadow, herb gardens, and fruit trees that contribute to community well-being and biodiversity.
Street trees and green corridors to enhance the development’s character and provide shaded, pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Cycle trails that link to the Hicks Lodge Cycle Centre, supporting both commuter routes and recreational access to nature.
Woodcroft’s commitment to sustainability and green infrastructure earned it the Best High-Volume New Housing Development award at the 2018 LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards.
A first-time buyer at Woodcroft commented: "We were amazed by the unique location, with nature right on our doorstep. It’s rare to find a place that balances modern living with environmental commitment."
Woodcroft exemplifies how we are shaping planning to prioritise nature-friendly development. Its bespoke planning policies across the three counties and six districts within the National Forest boundary requires between 20 and 30% green infrastructure on new developments.
We are the only large-scale landscape project in the country to have successfully implemented a policy, covering three counties, that requires between 20 and 30% green infrastructure on new developments.
This ambitious approach ensures that sustainable, nature-rich environments are created as a direct result of development, making a tangible difference to communities across the National Forest.
At a time when green space in housing developments has shrunk by 40% since 2000 (New Economics Foundation), we have made green infrastructure a fundamental requirement.
Since 1991, we have secured 1,400 hectares of forest habitat through the planning system, planting trees in new developments, restoring former mineral sites, and reclaiming derelict land.
Between 2019 and 2024, planning-related planting accounted for around 30% of all new forest creation in the National Forest, making it a major contributer to landscape change.
To maintain this progress, our planning team will continue to collaborate closely with developers and local authorities to integrate green infrastructure from initial proposals through to post-construction monitoring.
This approach ensures green spaces are strategically placed to connect existing habitats while extending footpaths and cycleways beyond development boundaries.
Looking ahead, future housing projects will continue to focus on woodland creation, climate resilience strategies, and urban greening, demonstrating how forward-thinking planning can shape a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.
If you want to support projects like this then why not consider becoming a Forest Champion? If you're a developer and are interested in new housing projects then do get in touch with us.
