13 May 2010
The FTSE 100 firm has signed up as a partner for the United Nations' 2010 International Year of Biodiversity - which aims to celebrate the amazing variety of plant and animal life around the world.
United Utilities operates hundreds of water and wastewater treatment sites in the North West and owns and manages more than 58,000 hectares of water catchment land in some of the most beautiful and sensitive parts of the region. The company, which has had a specific biodiversity policy in place since 1999, has been working successfully with partners, such as the RSPB, Natural England and tenant farmers to protect and enhance the region's wildlife on these extensive landholdings.
Over the last two years the company has been running a series of pilot projects, focused on managing biodiversity on its operational sites. Some of the project results include:-
- the reinstatement of moorland fringe habitat around Bottoms Reservoir in Longendale
- creation of a wildflower meadow at the company head offices in Warrington
- transplanting wild orchids from a service reservoir roof at Rivington water treatment works to a non operational area of the site to protect them during essential grass cutting.
- creating a wildlife corridor and improving a habitat for great crested newts and clearing scrub on lime beds at Lightshaw water treatment works in Golborne.
Plans are well advanced to extend the pilot approach to selected sites around the region over the next five years. Targeted actions will be taken, including surveys and work to create, expand or restore natural habitats, including ponds, hedges and woodlands, whilst taking measures to protect and promote endangered or at risk species, including newt, bat and bird species.
Steven Fraser, Managing Director - Operations at United Utilities, said: "The very nature of our business means we have the potential to impact on natural habitats and diversity of wildlife. We are committed to managing our operational sites and land holdings today in a way that makes a positive contribution to tomorrow, and that's why we are pleased to be involved in the International Year of Biodiversity."
A network of more than 200 UK organisations is supporting 2010 International Year of Biodiversity.
For further information and to find out how to get involved visit www.biodiversityislife.net
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