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The natural way to deal with nuisance neighbours |
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14 Apr 2014, 7:24 PM
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Darlington’s green business park has added a member of staff to its team – she’s feathered, friendly and she’s called Freya. She's the hawk-eyed pest control officer who keeps nuisance neighbours at bay.
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The hawk is the latest addition to the site’s natural population which already includes bees and allotments. And once a month people will get the chance to meet ‘n’ greet Freya and walk round the Lingfield Point site with her and her handler, Colin Hinde, who is already the resident bee-keeper.
Colin had to undertake specialist falconry training to take care of Freya who has been brought in to use her superfast flying skills to chase away pesky seagulls.
It was decided that rather than use alternative methods, the facility should stay true to its sustainability and nature-based roots by using a natural approach to scare off the birds.
Colin said: “Although I do enjoy looking after the bees I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been stung but I’m not expecting any trouble out of Freya. She’s very mild-mannered and just uses her natural predatory skills to deter gulls.
Eddie Humphries, Estate Manager, said: “The use of a hawk is in keeping with our ethos of sustainability and thrift. It’s a simple answer to a problem that can be very costly to sort out. There is no environmental damage and it is a long-standing solution. We strive to be different and approach things in an unconventional way and this is another example of ‘creative thinking’ being put to practical use.”
Energy performance certificates at the facility validate this commitment to creating a low carbon community. Future plans include a renewable energy centre providing customers with low carbon heating and power. This new community built around the existing business space will include new eco-homes, a school, parkland and sports pitches as well as a health centre, shops and restaurants.
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