Housing developers are being encouraged to incorporate high quality green infrastructure into new developments.

Cotswold District Council are challenging developers to do their bit to improve the green infrastructure (GI) in the Cotswolds, by adding more street trees, green roofs and private gardens to parks, rivers and woodlands.

By thinking about it right from the start of the design process, the council say they can make sure that they make the most of the benefits of green infrastructure.

This could include a new cycle/foot path, enhancing existing wildlife habitats, or creating wildflower areas in parks and gardens.

Cllr Clive Webster, cabinet member for landscape and heritage said: “We are keen to encourage everyone to do their bit to improve the green infrastructure and natural environment of the district and that includes those who wish to create new developments here.

"By designing new developments with high quality GI as a priority, we will get better and healthier places to live and work which will benefit current and future residents.

"I would like to challenge developers to see just how far they can go in creating a new development that delivers the best GI in the District."

Work is currently underway on a new green infrastructure strategy for the Cotswolds.

A number of parish and town councils have already contributed to the draft strategy, which looks at where key green infrastructure are located and sets out priorities for how the network could be enhanced.