The communities secretary James Brokenshire has published new guidance to help developers do more to protect wildlife.

The guidance sets out what developers can do to protect specific species, including using ‘hedgehog highways’ and hollow swift bricks, which provide nesting places in new homes for birds.

‘Building the new homes this country needs must not come at the detriment of our natural heritage,’ said Mr Brokenshire.

‘It’s right that as we deliver houses for people, we must also provide homes for wildlife too – whether that’s for hedgehogs, frogs, newts or birds.’

The guidance follows public interest in protecting animals from the negative impact of housing developments, with one petition receiving support from over half a million people.

‘The public have told us that protecting wildlife is important to them – so my message to house builders is to harness this support and get building in a way that protects the environment for the next generation,’ added Mr Brokenshire.