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.
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.
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.
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.
