How can building a city be good for nature?

Forest City includes a planned 12,000-acre nature reserve — nearly five times the size of Richmond Park and more than three times the size of Knepp. Existing woodland, ancient hedgerows and woodland soil are preserved; lost ponds and wetlands are restored; and we hope to bring back species this landscape lost.

Unlike the vague biodiversity promises attached to most developments, these standards are legally enforceable through Nature Covenants agreed with Natural England — so we can be held to account in law if we miss them.