Residents of a new housing complex in Chippenham have been given "garden-warming gifts" to make their outdoor space nicer for wildlife.

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are currently building 336 new homes at Birds Marsh View, Chippenham.

Barratt Homes is giving away free Grow Your Own herb gardens and David Wilson Homes is handing out free bird feeders and seed packs to customers reserving a home at Birds Marsh View.

Hannah Ferris, 24 and her partner Kieran James, 23 say they are a welcome addition to their new garden, which they have been cultivating ahead of their first summer in their new home.

"I love my garden," said Hannah, who recently joined the police force.

"My family have always loved gardening so I grew up spending lots of time outside and with my own pots and plants to look after from a young age. I lost my job at the start of the pandemic, so time outdoors, tending plants and thinking about what next was hugely important to me. I always knew I wanted a house with a garden and have been adding plants that I hope will attract bees and other pollinators, so I'm delighted with these new additions that will really help. I just love listening to the birds too, so I'm looking forward to seeing birds on the new feeder. With my new career in the police force just getting under way I know our garden will be a great place for some rest and relaxation in the months and years to come."

The new herb garden kits, which include basil, parsley, mint and chives, can be sewn directly in gardens or in pots on balconies, terraces, doorsteps and even on windowsills. The bird feeders are especially designed with suction cups to attach to windows in order to feed and watch wild birds up close. Barratt Developments' ambition is to be the nation's most sustainable housebuilder and it has committed to delivering biodiversity net gain across all of its new developments.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director at Barratt Homes said: "We're really excited about both the homes and the outdoor space and allotments at Birds Marsh View, so we wanted to do something to celebrate what's coming and give people a head-start to get growing."

Louise Ware, sales director for David Wilson Homes South West added: "We are committed to becoming the nation's most sustainable housebuilder and protecting and encouraging biodiversity on our developments is hugely important to us."