creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

ut should not necessarily be applied to other types of quarry. The report also discusses hard rock quarries
where natural colonisation is likely to be slow or unviable (e.g. due to harsh environment, lack of sources of
colonisers), and habitat creation techniques where natural colonisation is not possible.
Cripps et al. (2004) and White & Gilbert (2003) include tables of information sources (including NGOs,
statutory conservation bodies, specialist local species groups), and types of information to gather (including
habitats and species). These lists should be made widely available and kept up to date. Cripps et al. (2004)
also discusses landfill sites, stating that ‘the consideration of nature conservation interests and the potential
for wildlife enhancement through habitat creation at landfill sites is also the subject of guidance published by
the Wildlife Trusts (Ecoscope 2000)’.
Cripps et al. (2004) also gives pointers to guidance on vegetation establishment (seeding and planting) for
habitat creation. It provides a summary of the main techniques for vegetation establishment, with a pointer
to seek advice on the most appropriate methods for a particular site or scheme. It points to information on
available vegetation establishment techniques and habitat design. The report also discusses the relationship
of soil nutrients to habitat creation, and provides a table on soil fertility in some important habitats (this is
also in the Habitat Creation handbook - White and Gilbert, 2003). In addition it contains tables of typical
detailed site investigations, including vegetation/habitat surveys, faunal surveys, landscape and visual impact
assessment and landscape character assessment; and it highlights the importance of carrying out on-site trials
of establishing different vegetation types.
Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
Worcestershire County Council provides key information on creation of habitats at aggregate sites (with
advice to seek skilled ecological guidance prior to creating them). Also discusses natural regeneration at
minerals sites and local sourcing of seeds species for planting.
Research into restoration techniques
Hafren Water propose reviewing floating wetland restoration techniques, including ecological, hydrological
and engineering issues. They are also assessing the ecological/ biodiversity value of floating wetlands. We await
the results with interest.
Allen (2004) contains a wealth of information that could provide useful advice and background for minerals
planners and operators on restoration of silt lagoons, if disseminated widely. It should certainly act as a
starting point for more research in this area. Reedbeds and woodland were amongst the most common
end-uses of silt lagoons, and natural regeneration can be an effective tool here in many cases. However,
some surprising habitats were also noted. The report explains that on-site management of silt lagoons
will determine their final restoration, and notes that most planning applications had little detail on design,
operation or restoration of silt lagoons (although in some cases details were a condition of planning
permission or review).
Site design
Many site BAPs and restoration plans would benefit from being less ambitious in the numbers of habitats
included, and more ambitious in terms of scale – i.e. incorporating larger areas of fewer habitat types.
Hafren Water (2007) stresses the difference (and different value) between targeted habitat creation and
the ‘parkland lake’ landscapes that often result from restorations; and highlights opportunities to create
priority wildlife habitats. McColl-Grubb et al. (2004) states that there is a lack of clarity in the minerals
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