Trees:
We've got over 40,000 trees on our sites, from common ones like English Oak to rarer ones like Black Poplar. We have a responsibility to manage the trees for health and safety, as well as biodiversity. We've got specific management plans for each site, and we inspect the trees every 18 months.
INNS:
We're also committed to reducing invasive non-native species (INNS) on our land. We do this through annual monitoring and treatment works. We're working with people across the water industry and other organisations to tackle aquatic INNS in England, and we're even funding research with CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International) into ways to control Himalayan Balsam and Floating Pennywort.
We launched our INNS Out Scheme in 2021 - it helps local community groups manage INNS around our catchment area. So far, we've given awards to over 60 groups, and some of them have been working with us for years! They're helping us create long-term management plans that really work.
Learn more and apply >
We're also working with other organisations around our supply area to help with biodiversity. We're doing everything from managing our sites to providing volunteering opportunities for our employees and community.
We're working with our colleagues and stakeholders in the Water Industry through the Aquatic Biosecurity Partnership to take on invasive species in England. We're carrying out an enhanced aquatic biosecurity programme. The GB Non-native Species Secretariat is leading the programme, overseen by the partnership steering group of water companies and key Check, Clean, Dry partners who are contributing to the project through their time and the activities of their organisation. We're even funding campaigns like Check Clean Dry and Be Plant Wise to raise awareness.