Quarry restorations can provide fantastic new habitats for wildlife and also for people. Restorations often open up land that was previously private, and can provide opportunities for community engagement, education, recreation and volunteering.

Bayston Hill Quarry

The screening bund not only provides significant benefits for wildlife but also for people. As part of the bund design, Tarmac has created a trail along the entire ridge, linking into the existing footpath network and providing magnificent views, including from the quarry’s viewing platform, across the surrounding landscape. Information boards and a seating area have also been included in the design, created from a selection of fossilised tree trunk that were uncovered during the excavation works in the quarry, providing not only a recreational facility but also an educational feature.

Silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus, male perched on host plant bell heather Erica cinerea flowers, Prees Heath, Shropshire, England
Silver-studded blue butterfly Plebejus argus, male perched on host plant bell heather Erica cinerea flowers, Prees Heath, Shropshire, England
Otters, Lutra lutra, lying under tree
Otters, Lutra lutra, lying under tree

Paxton Pits Nature Reserve

Attracting over 100,000 visitors each year already and with The Friends support group now over 2,500 strong, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is an established and important local amenity. It is also firmly on the tourist map for those seeking out countryside and wildlife for their enjoyment.

Cliffe Pools

The restored reserve will form the centrepiece of a flagship environmental project for North Kent and the Thames Gateway that will attract 40,000+ visitors per annum.

The RSPB is taking a phased approach to the delivery of this major project. Initial phases have included habitat enhancement work and the development of visitor facilities. New paths were created and existing ones upgraded, along with several new viewing mounds and watch points.

Wildbird seed mix plot at RSPB Wiinterbourne Downs, July 2015
Wildbird seed mix plot at RSPB Wiinterbourne Downs, July 2015
Aerial shot of wetland creation, RSPB Langford Lowfields Nature Reserve, Nottingham, October
Aerial shot of wetland creation, RSPB Langford Lowfields Nature Reserve, Nottingham, October

Langford Lowfields

The archaeological dig carried out in 2010 discovered indications of a large Roman settlement, including pottery, grave sites and several wells, as well as clear signs of paleochannels of the River Trent floodplain. These finds help place the reserve into a historical context and in the future may form part of the reserve’s visitor experience. The Phase 1 portion of the site opened to the public in April 2014, with two circular trails, with one including a floating bridge and a boardwalk.