Wykeland Group, a leading property developer based in Hull, has signed a new framework agreement with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, aiming to harmonise development projects with ecological enhancement. The partnership is designed to ensure that commercial success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand, building on more than a decade of collaboration between the two organisations.
The innovative Ecology and Biodiversity Framework Agreement was officially signed at an event held at Wykeland’s Bridgehead business park in Hessle, East Yorkshire. This event celebrated the longstanding partnership and outlined future goals, highlighting the commitment to nurturing wildlife and natural habitats alongside sustainable, commercially viable developments.
Wykeland, one of the Yorkshire and Humber region’s prominent development firms, and the Trust have worked closely since 2013 to demonstrate how commercial projects can deliver better outcomes for both people and wildlife. A key highlight of their partnership has been the creation of a 1km nature trail at Bridgehead, designed and constructed by Wykeland, with the Trust managing the pathway and its surrounding habitat.
The new agreement emphasises integrating the Trust’s ecological expertise at the earliest stages of Wykeland’s design and development processes. This approach ensures that ecological considerations are prioritised across all projects, including developments at Bridgehead, Melton West, the Fruit Market urban village in Hull, and Europarc in Grimsby.
Dominic Gibbons, Managing Director of Wykeland, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to be continuing our work with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to enhance not just our future developments, but also our existing ones.” He reiterated the company’s commitment to creating developments that benefit businesses and the local community while enriching the natural environment.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, a charity dedicated to conserving wildlife across Yorkshire, manages over 100 nature reserves and engages in numerous conservation projects. Chief Executive Officer Rachael Bice emphasised the importance of collaborating with developers to create ecologically sensitive spaces. “Driving better outcomes for wildlife in new development is critical and possible, even under pressure for strong economic growth and more homes,” she said.
Wykeland is renowned for delivering transformative projects with a focus on sustainability and biodiversity, creating a legacy of regeneration, job creation, and economic growth. The new agreement outlines three key themes: “Gains for Nature,” aimed at enhancing natural habitats; “Rewilding Lives,” encouraging occupants to engage with their natural surroundings; and “Flourishing Legacy,” ensuring that green spaces are well maintained for future generations.
Guests attending the signing event were invited to explore the Bridgehead woodland trail, witnessing firsthand the flourishing natural environment cultivated by the collaboration between Wykeland and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. This partnership not only exemplifies a commitment to ecological integrity but also seeks to create attractive, sustainable places where people and nature can thrive together.
