creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
that others can follow.
Output:
Description of the area, its history and biodiversity interest
Description of the project and partnership (Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Tarmac Central Ltd., North Notts
College, Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council)
Description of Sutton and Lound Gravel Pits SSSI (gravel pit complex), current restoration proposals, and
associated species and habitats
Outline of the surrounding land and priorities for habitat creation – the most important being land adjacent to
the SSSI to buffer it and reduce edge effects
Summaries of the previous studies on the site (see MIRO MIST ADAS report) –
a feasibility study on a project in the Idle Valle to make social, economic and environmental gains (June 2003);
and an economic feasibility study of such a project, to include a visitor centre (March 2004)
Statement that since completion of the economic feasibility study, the potential has arisen for partnership with
North Nottinghamshire College leading to involvement of their Department of Rural Education
Statement that Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is keen to acquire the Lound SSSI site and adjacent parts of
Tarmac holdings, and that the wider partnership is the best realistic option to address the financial implications
Statement that the option to acquire portions of the wider land area within the Tarmac land-holding to
generate support funds offers a unique solution to this problem whilst promoting Regional strategies and
maximising benefits to people and to wildlife
Description of the local area and its need for social regeneration
Discussion of the advantages to inclusion of North Nottinghamshire College (NNC) in the partnership,
including –
• giving NNC access to a single local base with extensive training opportunities on site (its activities are
currently spread throughout the District in different locations based on a range of sub-contracts)
• similar environmental priorities -NNC is committed to environmentally sustainable building
Discussion of further educational benefits to the region, including significant training opportunities through the
Intermediate Labour Market and Environmental Task Force
Statement that real and sustainable jobs would result from micro-business and social enterprise development
around the area
Statement that the project will equip people with transferable skills to employ at nearby developments, such
as Finningley Airport
Discussion of the health benefits of the project (see MIRO MIST ADAS report)
Brief discussion of the project’s potential to help reduce crime rates, including contributing to projects
sought by Youth Offending Team officers and offering young people a chance to learn the basics of
conservation and other countryside activities
Brief discussion of the potential for a Local Food Network, providing:
• opportunities to become involved in allotment and market garden produce, encompassing all aspects of
running a business, including formal qualifications
• helping communities, farmers and businesses to produce more low-cost, healthy food, to create a more
socially inclusive and sustainable local food economy, and to create a regional centre of expertise and
support for food enterprises
Discussion of other economic benefits of the project, including incorporated sustainable rural enterprises
(see MIRO MIST ADAS report for specific examples), tourism and a visitor centre, which would help fund
management of the SSSI
Statement of the need for access to business support and mentoring, and the intention to liaise with relevant
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