Biodiversity, water and environment

Restoring our environment and bringing nature into communities is a key part of Willmott Dixon’s sustainability strategy, Now or Never. Our aim is for all our projects to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before construction. It’s all part of our commitment to do the right thing to support the natural environment and help communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Biodiversity net gain

It’s now a year since the legal requirement for most developments in England to achieve a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

We work with customers and ecologists from the earliest design stages to measure baseline habitats, co‑create nature‑positive plans, and deliver BNG through on‑site design, off‑site units or (where needed) statutory biodiversity credits.

We work with customers to measure and enhance biodiversity on their projects. This includes working with ecologists to make landscaping and planting design changes that support local wildlife and habitats.

How we deliver: recent project outcomes

At Dorset Police Headquarters, in Winfrith, we’re on target to achieve 10% biodiversity net gain at this modern, highly sustainable blue‑light facility. The new HQ, which was designed to the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ sustainability standard was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal in October 2025.

At Acre Wood Academy, in Crowborough, construction began late in 2025 with the design retaining existing trees where possible and delivering net gain through on‑site ecological measures (below). Working alongside our customer, East Sussex County Council, we’re delivering meaningful BNG by preserving native woodland under a long‑term management plan that extends well beyond project completion. The scheme includes restoring an existing pond to create a thriving habitat for frogs, insects, and aquatic life, while new grassland, hedgerows, and tree planting will mature into diverse, long‑lasting ecosystems. Across the site, we’re also integrating bird boxes, insect hotels, and wildlife corridors to support species movement and encourage a healthier, more resilient natural environment.

Another school designed to meet the Department for Education's latest sustainability specification is Outwood Academy, in Kirkby, Nottinghamshire. Approved in November 2025, the new academy site will target a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain along with air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

Leaving a positive legacy

Last year, we helped transform a 20‑acre site in Nottingham’s city centre into a nature‑first public realm, re‑introducing marshland and rain‑garden habitats, planting 34 new mature trees (while retaining four existing oaks), and delivering a 438% biodiversity net gain. The “Green Heart” at Broad Marsh demonstrates what ambitious, nature

Officially opened in September 2025 by HRH the Princess Royal, the site incorporates wildlife-friendly features such as badger gates and designated "bat corridors" to support local bat populations.

Tree Planting

Since 2020, we’ve planted over 55,000 trees, keeping us on course to meet our target of 100,000 trees by 2030. Every tree we plant not only supports our carbon reduction goals, but also enhances biodiversity, protects local habitats, and helps communities become more resilient to the effects of climate change.

We worked with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust to enhance biodiversity across green spaces surrounding Derriford Hospital.

We created healthier, more sustainable environments for both people and wildlife thanks to volunteers from our team, the UHP Sustainability Team, and supply chain partners including Sphere Solutions Ltd and YGS Landscapes Ltd.

We supported social enterprise Pollenize CIC in Plymouth to source seeds, helping to grow not just habitats, but positive social impact too.

Our sustainability team planted 450 trees in Paradise Fields in Greenford (below) in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), directly engaging local communities in environmental action. This year's achievements represent a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with TCV, establishing Willmott Dixon as a 'Gold Planting Supporter' of their 'I Dig Trees' initiative, which has now planted over 4.3 million trees across the UK since 2015.

Water

Now or Never commits us to halving the volume of water we use on our projects by 2030, from a baseline of 2018. We measure and report the water used on our sites every month, which helps us identify anomalies and opportunities for improvement. Five years early, we have almost achieved our 2030 target, having reduced absolute water usage by 48%, compared with our 2018 baseline.

Water Use