NIE Networks soaring high in the protection of Northern Ireland's wildlife

NIE Networks has announced that it is playing a vital role in the protection of Northern Ireland’s wildlife and surrounding environment through a three-year partnership with Ulster Wildlife, having been awarded a Wildlife Aware accreditation by the charity.

The company has been educating employees and contractors about some of Northern Ireland’s most protected biodiversity, making the safeguarding of wildlife a priority and ensuring their work has minimal impact on the local landscape and natural habitats.

NIE Networks has collaborated with Ulster Wildlife to develop a bespoke Wildlife Aware Guide and associated training programme for employees to help them protect and identify wildlife and better understand the environment they come in contact with daily.

Alastair Usher, Environment Officer at NIE Networks, commented: “Protecting the landscape and wildlife we come in contact with has always been our priority but partnering with Ulster Wildlife has been fundamental in taking that commitment to the next level.

“We deliver a vital public service and there is essential work we must carry out to ensure we have a reliable electricity network. The guide and training programme means our teams are better informed about the ecosystems they are working in and the importance of working in harmony with those systems to ensure wildlife remains protected.

“Many of our sites are natural habitats for species protected under European legislation. Our staff are now better equipped to identify where their work could have an impact on wildlife and the steps they need to take to protect species including birds, badgers, otters and bats.”

Vickie Chambers, Supporter Relationship Manager at Ulster Wildlife, added: “We are delighted that NIE Networks has taken this very positive step to further educate their staff and create an awareness of looking after our natural environment. It is very encouraging to see them delivering a strong biodiversity programme within their business.

“A key priority for us is working with communities and businesses to ensure everyone can live and work alongside nature in a positive way. We hope others will take their lead from the example NIE Networks is setting through its commitment to being Wildlife Aware.”

To find about more about NIE Networks’ environmental partnerships and initiatives, visit https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/community/environmental-outreach.