KETTLE, tea bags, milk, bird box…

The welcome pack handed to new homeowners at a development in Stalbridge has expanded – in a bid to boost wildlife.

Sustainable bird and bee boxes are being given to customers at the Blackmore Meadows development.

The boxes include a bee hotel, wildflower seeds, a handmade triple bird feeder, suet nuggets and a plantable new homes card.

Bovis Homes’ sales consultant, Amber Luxton, said: “The new bird and bee boxes are a lovely addition to customers’ welcome packs and it’s great to do more to help the local flora and fauna.

The welcome boxes hope to boost wildlife in Stalbridge. Picture: Bovis Homes

“We’ve also been supporting hedgehogs by installing hedgehog highways to enable them to roam easily in order to find food, mates and shelter. And in the open space area, 7,264 shrubs have been planted; 181 trees; 16,252m2 of seeding grass, including the wildflower areas; and 1,600 bulbs.”

Residents, Mike and Jan, said: “It’s been amazing to see the local wildlife at the development.

“We’ve captured plenty of hedgehogs on our wildlife night camera; watched deer by the path and attenuation pond; and seen blue tits, gold finches and woodpeckers in our garden.

“There’s also a beautiful barn owl that flies past around 6.30pm in the evening, which is wonderful to see.”

In the last 18 months, the couple has also reported seeing pheasants, rabbits, wagtails, robins, sparrows, pigeons, crows, fox, frog, toad and cows.

Blackmore Meadows is a development of 120 three and four-bedroom properties and includes a play area, green open space, an attenuation pond planted with wildflowers, and a circular path for cycling and walking – with connections to the existing public network.

For more information on the development, visit www.bovishomes.co.uk.