Nature as Essential Infrastructure

What happens when we design homes and neighbourhoods around nature rather than squeezing nature in at the end? In this episode, Dr Gemma Jerome, founder of Building with Nature and Head of Green Infrastructure at Sintali, sets out the essential role the natural environment plays in supporting health, resilience and place quality. 

Key insights: 

• Nature is essential infrastructure — cooling streets, reducing flood risk and supporting mental and physical wellbeing. 

• Gemma’s “yes, if…” mindset reframes development: yes to growth if it strengthens nature, community and health. 

• She highlights six priorities for bringing nature closer to people: 

  1. Access (physical, visual and auditory) 

  2. Inclusivity (spaces shaped around local strengths and needs)

  3. Seasonality (usable all year round)

  4. Health (spaces that support movement and reduce stress)

  5. Social connection (places designed for gathering)

  6. Distinctiveness (reflecting local character)

• New legislation is pushing standards higher: Biodiversity Net Gain, SUDS requirements in Wales, national SUDS standards in England, and Local Nature Recovery Strategies. 

• Long-term place-keeping is as important as design — residents notice when nature declines after the first few years. 

Useful links: 

• https://www.buildingwithnature.org.uk 

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-england-green-infrastructure-framework 

• https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/biodiversity-net-gain 

Practical steps for housing providers 

• Audit schemes against Gemma’s six priorities to uncover gaps and quick wins. 

• Review green infrastructure and drainage strategies to ensure alignment with BNG and local nature recovery plans. 

• Strengthen place-keeping arrangements to protect biodiversity and resident experience. 

• Improve existing estates with shade trees, small-scale nature-based drainage and greener walking routes. 

• Engage residents in shaping and stewarding local spaces — their insights make investment stronger and more grounded.