Working with partners, Nature After Minerals is here to offer and share best-practice advice on biodiversity-led minerals restoration.
- All
- Birds
- Invertebrates
- Mammals
Willow tit
illow tits (Poecile montanus) are the most rapidly declining resident bird in the UK and a Red List species of conservation concern. The British population is unique to the UK which has undergone a 91% decrease in population size since 1967. The species distribution, once widespread, continues to contract with large gaps now present in the south and south west of England.
Twite in Derbyshire quarries: advice for quarry operators
The twite (Carduelis flavirostris) is a small, brown finch with streaky markings and a stubby bill that is native to Britain and Ireland. Fifty years ago twites bred in at least 12 English counties but recent surveys of twites in England have reported very worrying declines and it is now included on the red list of birds of conservation concern.
Sand Martin
Sand martins (Riparia riparia) are a summer migrant to Britain and Ireland, arriving in March in order to breed. They are related to swallows, and spend much of their life on the wing catching small flying insects.
RSPB Langford Lowfields artificial sand martin bank creation
At Langford Lowfields, a 175ha reedbed restoration reserve, Sandinyoureye sand sculptors and RSPB designed and created an artificial sand martin bank that is purpose built to look and function as naturally as possible with sand martin nesting ecology. Partnership project delivered by RSPB and Lafarge Tarmac with support from Sita funding and construction by Sandinyoureye Ltd.
Bumblebees
Minerals sites offer excellent opportunities to provide habitat and foraging (feeding) opportunities for many of the twenty four species of bumblebee in the UK. They are hard working and versatile pollinators of both agricultural crops and many wildflower species. Bumblebees have been declining due to the widespread loss of wildflower grasslands and changes in agricultural…
Artificial Otter Holt (Cassington Quarry)
Cassington Quarry original restoration plan prior to the western extension was for more open water, but due to concerns raised from the local Oxford Airport and Ministry of Defence, a new design was put forward featuring a reedbed restoration for this final stage of the extraction.
Case studies
Our Case Studies pages showcase the great work which is already being undertaken across the minerals and planning sectors to help enhance and protect the natural world and leave a lasting legacy for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.
