creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
Key audiences (MIRO questionnaire):
Mineral planners, farmers, farming and conservation organisations, mineral operators
Key words (MIRO questionnaire):
FWAG, MIRO, Leeds University, Whitwell Quarry, Hope Cement Works, LaFarge
Main methods:
Desktop research on value of minerals extraction sites to nature conservation
Demarcation of land boundaries and ownership around 2 key quarry sites
Phase 2 surveys of operational land within and around the sites
Categorisation of land and suitability for habitat creation / enhancement
Drafting of land management plans and work programmes with landowners and managers
Dissemination of relevant information (e.g. on grants) to farmers bordering the quarries
Work with farmers and landowners (including questionnaire) around quarry sites to gauge awareness of and
interest in local quarrying, and interest in working more closely with quarry operators
Investigation of and advice on financial aspects of land management plans, potential grants, and further
funding to extend the pilot project
Evaluation of pilot project success in terms of land area and habitats affected, improved awareness/knowledge
of LaFarge staff and local landowners, and agri-environment scheme uptake
Output:
Phase 2 habitat survey results for land within and around the quarry sites
Land management plans and work programmes for land around each quarry
Identification of, and management recommendations for important local habitats
Clarification to minerals operators of best management techniques for certain habitats
Advice for landowners and quarry operators on funding
Impacts (Actual):
Increased enthusiasm and conservation knowledge among local minerals operators
Raised awareness among local farmers and landowners
Application to Countryside Stewardship Scheme by one farmer
Funding from quarry operators
The project demonstrates that good relations with minerals operators and local communities can achieve
ecological objectives ‘without the need for additional planning instruments or conditions’
(MIRO questionnaire: success measured by ongoing work around the two quarries selected for the project,
similar engagement with quarry operators, improvements in habitat around the site. No gaps in project
identified in questionnaire.)
Impacts (Potential):
Further increase in local awareness through word of mouth
Further applications by local farmers to agri-environment schemes
The project provides an example for other schemes that may target agricultural land surrounding quarries
Problems Identified by Study:
Vegetation communities present on extraction sites are often not clearly defined by National Vegetation
Classification – often transitional between ‘open habitats’ and others such as mesotrophic grassland (Rodwell,
2000). This can complicate their management for nature conservation.
Landowner reactions were difficult to gauge due to the change in agri-environment schemes. This should
have settled down more now that ELS and HLS schemes are running.
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