How Hartland Village Supports Biodiversity and Wildlife in Fleet
Hartland Village in Fleet has been designed to support biodiversity and create spaces where both people and wildlife can thrive. Surrounded by woodland, heathland and a 70-acre Country Park, the community provides opportunities for wildlife while helping residents connect with the natural environment.
From dedicated honey bee hives and wildflower meadows to habitats for birds, butterflies and other pollinators, biodiversity is an important part of life at Hartland Village.
Supporting Pollinators Through Honey Bee Hives
Hartland Village is home to nine honey bee hives, managed in partnership with Fleet & District Beekeepers' Association. Located on the edge of the Country Park, the hives provide a dedicated space for beekeeping training and help support local pollinator populations.
David Morgan, Fleet & District Beekeepers’ Association’s Apiary Manager explains: “Honey bees, along with many other insect species, play a vital role in the pollination of all flowering plants and trees and help keep our ecosystems healthy.”
The hives not only contribute to the local environment but also help educate people about the importance of pollinators and the part they play in supporting biodiversity.
The initiative has also helped strengthen connections with the local community. Working with nearby schools, educational projects have introduced students to the role of bees in nature and how they can help protect wildlife in their own gardens and outdoor spaces.
Creating Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
To inspire residents and the wider community, Hartland Village has also showcased the many ways gardens can support local wildlife.
The garden, designed by award-winning Landscape Architects, Murdoch Wickham, demonstrates the variety of simple ways in which residents can create sustainable habitats for wildlife, whilst ensuring the space also remains practical for family life.
- The pond – one of the best features for wildlife in a domestic garden – can develop into a complex habitat which creates a food and drink source for invertebrates such as pond skaters and beetles, whilst also providing essential bathing and drinking opportunities for birds.
- The wildflower meadow is perfect for pollinating insects including bees, whilst the dry garden - designed with climate change in mind - features drought resistant plants, including creeping thyme, camomile and sedums.
- A squirrel-proof bird feeder provides an accessible food supply in the colder months whilst bird boxes and the insect house provides safe nesting places when natural sites are in decline.
These features show how practical family gardens can also make a meaningful contribution to local biodiversity.
A Country Park Designed for Nature
One of Hartland Village's defining features is its 70-acre Country Park, which provides space for both people and wildlife to thrive.
The park includes:
- Wildflower meadows
- Butterfly banks
- Woodland walks
- Open grassland and heathland habitats
- Picnic areas and recreational spaces
Together, these landscapes create a network of habitats that support a wide variety of species while giving residents opportunities to enjoy nature close to home.
Supporting Biodiversity Through Education
Biodiversity at Hartland Village is supported not only through habitat creation but also through education and community involvement. Local school projects and partnerships with beekeeping experts have helped raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and wildlife conservation, encouraging future generations to play an active role in protecting the natural environment.
Encouraging Nature-Rich Living
Biodiversity at Hartland Village extends beyond dedicated environmental projects. Cycle routes, walking trails and green corridors connect homes with surrounding natural spaces, encouraging residents to spend more time outdoors and engage with their local environment.
The combination of green infrastructure, wildlife habitats and community-focused initiatives helps create a neighbourhood where nature forms an integral part of everyday life.
A Community Connected to Nature
Hartland Village has been designed to bring together homes, amenities and green spaces in a way that supports both people and the environment. Through initiatives such as its honey bee hives, biodiversity garden and extensive Country Park, the community continues to demonstrate how new neighbourhoods can create places where wildlife and people can flourish together.
Explore Hartland Village
Discover more about life at Hartland Village, including its 70-acre Country Park, extensive green spaces and collection of new homes in Fleet. Visit the Hartland Village development page to find out more or book a viewing.