Water utility specialist backs investment in wildlife

Lanes Group plc has become an Investor in Wildlife to support the protection of wildlife and wild spaces across London and the Thames Valley.

The Investors in Wildlife initiative is organised by 46 charitable wildlife trusts across the UK to encourage businesses and organisations to actively support wildlife conservation.

Lanes Utilities, part of Lanes Group plc, the UK’s largest independent drainage specialist, is now an Investor in Wildlife for both the London Wildlife Trust and the Berks, Bucks, and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Richard Woods, Corporate Development Officer for BBOWTT, pictured right, said: “Having the support of local companies like Lanes Utilities makes a huge difference to us. The financial backing, alone, allows us to do so much more.

“Lanes is up there with the best of them in terms of the commitment they are showing to wildlife protection. Working alongside Thames Water, they are at the sharp end in terms of preventing pollution and protecting the environment so having their support will be extremely useful.”

Michael Hall, Head of Operations at Lanes Utilities, pictured left, said: “As the UK’s largest wastewater network services (WNS) maintenance operation, we’re acutely aware of our responsibility to protect wildlife.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be an Investor in Wildlife for the two main Wildlife Trusts in our region. Being involved will enrich our understanding of wildlife conservation.

“It will also help us as a company, and our people, to act as good citizens, enhancing sustainability and sharing expertise that will help many others do the same.”

Lanes Utilities delivers WNS maintenance services for Thames Water, which is also an Investor in Wildlife. It is making annual donations to the wildlife trusts and has pledged to take part in other paid-for activities.

Michael Hall said: “The initiative gives us access to Wild Work Days where our people can volunteer to support wildlife conservation projects that will also help us build team working skills.

“We are also already taking part in networking events with other Investor in Wildlife members where we can share best practice and explore ways to work together on wildlife protection.”

Lanes Utilities carries out more than 1,100 drain and sewer maintenance jobs a day for Thames Water’s 13 million wastewater customers. These include drain unblocking, pollution prevention, and sewer repairs.

Every day, its teams consider and seek to minimise their potential impact on wildlife, for example, by controlling flood lighting and noise when working at night to minimise disturbance of mammals.

Volunteers from Lanes Utilities, and other Lanes companies, also support Thames21, which works with communities to clean and improve rivers and canals across Greater London for people and wildlife.