In today’s blog, Catherine Cullen, Minerals Business Advice Manager explains how the RSPB is working with the quarrying industry to restore sites for nature and create spaces where birdsong and the buzz of insects fills the air.
When you think of a quarry, what’s the first image that springs to mind? Is it a dusty hole in the ground with HGVs moving material? Step into my world and you might start to imagine a wetland with flocks of waterfowl and rustling reedbeds; perhaps think of springy heathlands and cattle roaming nearby; or chalky cliffs that give way to bright bursts of wildflower meadows and scattered scrub, alive and thriving with bees and butterflies. In the distance a background hum, we have become accustomed to, of a vehicle distantly heard behind the calls of nature – this is the modern picture of biodiversity-led quarry restoration.
Quarries and nature In England alone there are over 2,000 quarries, covering over 64,000 hectares of land, that’s an area the size of the New Forest! These sites play an important role in nature’s recovery. They have economic benefits and supply essential minerals that we rely on for construction of our critical infrastructure too; roads, housing, water and energy. But what happens once the quarrying stops?
Quarrying is considered a temporary land use and there are always planning requirements to ensure that these sites are restored once the sites have closed. As quarry operators work the land, they can have great control over the specification of the restoration. The future of an excavated quarry can provide high quality habitat, to support a variety of species as well as areas for public leisure, providing benefits for both biodiversity and people. Showcasing their potential, over 600 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are former mineral extraction sites – meaning that these restored quarries can be important sites for wildlife.
It’s clear that these restored sites can be havens for wildlife, which is why the RSPB has been working with this industry for several decades.
CEMEX Kensworth Quarry, Bedfordshire, chalk grassland restoration. © Catherine Cullen/RSPB.
Nature After Minerals The RSPB’s Nature After Minerals (NAM) programme has been working with the minerals extractive industry since 2006. We provide support towards restoring sites with a focus on creating nature-rich habitats and deliver training and advice to the industry and planning authorities. To date NAM has delivered restoration and management advice on over 3,800 hectares.
We’ve developed long-standing partnerships with companies. Since 2010, a specialist RSPB advisor has been working within CEMEX UK, a leading supplier of building materials. Together, we’ve worked on many projects including influencing quarry restoration plans, habitat connectivity and working to create habitat for declining wildlife species.
Nightjars arrive in the UK between late April to mid-May and are a visitor to Rugeley Quarry. © Andy Hay (rspb-images.com).
Flagship sites for people and natureThe CEMEX/RSPB partnership originally aimed to transform 1,000 hectares of former quarry sites into grassland, woodland, heathland and wetlands. That figure continues to grow and is now 1,700 hectares across 50 sites in mainland UK, with additional focus on creating habitat for some of the UK’s most threatened species, such as Chough, Willow Tit, Turtle Dove and Twite.
Let me bring all this work to life. Let’s head to Rugeley Quarry in Staffordshire. This site achieved a Natural England/Mineral Products Association biodiversity award for restoration of diverse heathland habitat. Thanks to restoration work, you can now hear the distinctive churring of a Nightjar, the sweet melody of a Woodlark or the short spek of a Tree Pipit. We know that at least 475 species of insects use the site (thanks to an exciting new DNA sampling technique that we trialled on the site). By 2032, over 200ha of heathland habitat will be created at Rugeley via mineral restoration. Understanding more about the wildlife using restored quarries is important as it allows us to assess the overall health of the environment and to work out how best to manage these sites.
CEMEX Rugeley Quarry, Staffordshire, a flagship site for heathland creation © Nigel Symes/RSPB.
Inspiring othersOur partnership also involves working with CEMEX UK’s staff teams, so far we’ve provided environmental training on the ground and online to 1,124 employees. Engagement with nature is highly encouraged by championing and inspiring staff with positive nature news on CEMEX sites and beyond.
A company-wide RSPB blog encourages staff members to get involved with initiatives such as the Big Garden Bird Watch or the annual CEMEX birds of prey survey. Providing accessible and engaging content on activities, news and events can filter through to inspire friends and family of employees helping build a legacy.
Looking to a healthy future In the wake of the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP 15, and the historic agreement to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, businesses need to drive a nature positive economy that supports species and habitats as well as helps tackle the climate crisis.
By working in partnership with the quarrying industry, we can influence positive and ambitious habitat creation and management plans. Incorporating high quality habitats, which are correctly placed in the landscape can deliver for many species. This in turn will help local authorities get the best outcomes for nature.
In joining the RSPB, I've slung up my scythe and swapped it for a strategizing spreadsheet, my aspiration is to grow Nature After Minerals into a proactive partnership taking action for nature. We want to unlock more land for nature restoration by working closely with and encouraging the sector. Investment in restoration of quarry sites is a key part of the solution to building long-term, positive outcomes for nature and climate change.
Please note, the sites described in this blog are not open to the public.
Working in partnership Nature After Minerals is an RSPB led project that sits within the RSPB's Business Conservation Advice team and is supported by Natural England and Minerals Product Association. The RSPB has worked in partnership with CEMEX UK since 2010 to develop restoration schemes that support and enhance biodiversity. The RSPB’s Business Conservation Advice team works with multiple businesses to enhance biodiversity and encourage sustainable working approaches.
Continue reading• Working with golf courses to create greenspaces for nature• Enhancing urban nature: how we’re helping to deliver liveable, sustainable towns and cities• Helping to reverse the nature crisis by supporting and advising business landowners and managers
Want our blogs emailed to you automatically? Click the cog in the top right of this page and select 'turn blog notifications on' (if you have an RSPB blog account) or 'subscribe by email'.