What's Happening?
Northumbrian Water has employed a sniffer dog named Bracken to assist in ecological surveys across its operational sites in the North East. Bracken, a four-year-old Labrador, is trained to detect wildlife
such as hedgehogs and nesting birds, ensuring they are identified and safely relocated before any vegetation clearance or hedgerow cutting begins. This initiative is part of Northumbrian Water's commitment to protecting wildlife and conserving natural habitats. Bracken is employed by Barrett Environmental Ltd, an ecological consultancy, and is trained by Trina Barrett, who is a certified conservation detection dog handler.
Why It's Important?
The use of Bracken highlights an innovative approach to environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting biodiversity in operational areas. By ensuring that wildlife is not harmed during maintenance activities, Northumbrian Water is setting a precedent for other companies to follow in integrating ecological considerations into their operations. This initiative not only helps in preserving local wildlife but also supports broader environmental sustainability goals, potentially influencing public policy and corporate practices in environmental management.
