creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

Recommendation that a systematic methodology be developed to monitor biodiversity on quarrying sites (at
all stages), and possibly that a national data collection scheme be implemented
Impacts (Actual):
The report illustrates that restoration of natural habitats to quarry sites can have beneficial effects for flood
management as well as for biodiversity.
Impacts (Potential) / Potential Expansion:
Recommendations are made for a more co-ordinated approach to restoration for biodiversity across
the quarrying industry. Strong grounds are provided for this, highlighting the current paucity of ecological
information on quarry sites. A more co-ordinated approach would facilitate reasoned implementation of
future restorations, and an increased resource of ecological information could help to guide and support
future restorations for biodiversity.
Dissemination:
Information on dissemination of this report could not be obtained.
RECLAMATION PLANNING IN HARD ROCK QUARRIES: A GUIDE TO
GOOD PRACTICE (MIRO SAMP, DCLG, UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD, EDGE
CONSULTANTS)
J. C. Cripps, V. Roubos (Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield) D. Hughes, M.
Burton, H. Crowther, A .Nolan, C. Travis (Environmental Consultancy University of Sheffield) I. M. Nettleton,
M. A. Czerewko, D. Tonks (Edge Consultants UK Ltd.)
March 2004
Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
Project Type: Guidelines
Site: Observations at 25 English hard rock quarries
Project Aim: To provide guidance on an appropriate methodology for the planning of reclamation,
including the formation of new landscape features, such as slopes and faces, and associated ecologies
Main Methods: Literature search, site investigations, consultations (steering group and advisory
correspondence group)
Output:
Guidance on restoration in hard rock quarries:
Outline of relevant planning policies and legislation
Outline of European and UK legislation on landscape and biodiversity
Flow diagram outlining the main stages normally required to plan and develop a restoration scheme,
emphasising the need for a staged approach
Stress on the need for scoping, plus data input and expert consultations at different stages, especially where a
quarry falls within or close to environmentally sensitive landscape and wildlife resources
Tables of information sources (including NGOs, statutory conservation bodies, specialist local species
groups), and types of information to gather (including habitats and species)
Discussion of the value of natural regeneration of hard rock quarries, depending on required timescales, site
conditions etc. – that habitat creation techniques may be required to assist natural regeneration, but that
valuable habitats can sometimes develop naturally
Discussion of landfill sites, including 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
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