High degree of work gives nature big boost (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

High degree of work gives nature big boost

Thames Water and npower staffTHAMES Water and npower staff swapped pipes and pylons for poplars as they spent a day out of the office.

More than 30 graduates, pictured, at the two companies tried their hands at being lumberjacks to help bring wildlife back to the River Ray.

Their work was part of a £44,000 scheme for the rivery, which runs through Thames Water's sewage treatment works in Swindon.

"The graduates helped pull down a number of young ash, maple and poplar trees from an area of planted woodland to give the environment a more natural feel," said Jo Sayers from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

"A mixture of hawthorn and blackthorn scrub will replace the trees, bearing berries that will attract more bird life to the banks of the river."

Sharna King, Thames Water's learning and development programme advisor, added: "The graduates all really enjoyed themselves.

"An event like this is a great way to learn more about the environment while getting to know each other a little better."

The works that have already been completed along the river appear to be paying dividends.

A holt or otter home was constructed out of breeze blocks.

It appears that some tenants may now have moved in as otter footprints and droppings have been spotted.

The scheme is part of the Swindon Water for Wildlife Project, funded by the Environment Agency, Biffa, Hills, Thames water and npower.