The requirement for integrated features for wildlife within development should be more boldly stated. These features are inexpensive, bring people closer to nature and ensure that development is permeable to wildlife. The urban environment is being shown to be an increasingly important refuge for our wildlife and features should be provided in development to reflect this. HMWT request that the following statement on integrated devices is amended to reflect this:

'Net gains can be delivered through the provision of soft landscaping, including trees, shrubs and other vegetation to support wildlife habitats as identified by the Hertfordshire Biodiversity Action Plan.z The provision of permanent integrated features for wildlife can also contribute to net gains, such as integrated bat and swift boxes or hedgehog holes in fences. These should be provided in all houses bordering open space or where appropriate to do so.'