These Case Study pages showcase examples of good practice in minerals restoration which is benefiting the natural environment and people. We are always happy to hear of more sites which would make good case studies of best practice - please contact us.
Given worrying declines in biodiversity (see State of Nature 2019 Report), Nature After Minerals works with stakeholders to promote and share best practice in mineral site restoration which has been designed to leave a lasting legacy for nature and local communities, once extraction work has been completed.
There are also examples of minerals sites being managed for biodiversity during the operational phases of their life.
Habitat creation
Mineral sites which are restored to heathland, reed bed, woodland or wet grassland can result in untold benefits for invertebrates, aquatic plants, birds and mammals. Even sites restored to an agricultural end-use can benefit nature with the incorporation of the right biodiversity features. These case study examples show how particular habitat creation was or is planned to be achieved.
Species conservation
Many important and endangered all-nature species benefit from the right sort of minerals restoration where a nature conservation end-use leads the way.
Ecosystem services
Biodiversity-led minerals restoration is of benefit for the protection of the natural environment for its own sake. However, restoration for a nature conservation end-use can also result in additional ecosystem services benefits such as local economic regeneration; public access and a reconnect with nature for local communities; flood alleviation and carbon storage.
Stakeholder engagement
Early engagement with and involvement of stakeholders for any given site can often lead to close partnership working and collaboration, resulting in sound outcomes for both people and wildlife.
Planning
Sound and ambitious minerals planning can provide for nature and people on a potentially landscape scale.
Resource management
Appropriate and sustainable minerals restoration can also help safeguard and manage soils, water and landscapes
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Contact us
natureafterminerals@rspb.org.uk
Nature After Minerals, RSPB,
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire,
SG19 2DL