creating environmental improvements through biodiversity

Sustainable Aggregates Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity
which has large areas of open water near to an RAF base. The preliminary results show that the technique is
effective in detecting patterns in bird movements in relation to geographical (habitat) features.
Impacts (Potential):
Further analysis of these results may reveal useful relationships of bird movements with geographical features.
This could be considered in the future design of minerals site restorations where bird strike is likely to be an
issue, and in development of guidelines on the matter.
Potential Expansion:
The report states that additional analysis is needed to create a larger and more robust dataset from which to
analyse bird behaviour
It states that movements should be studied throughout a year or over a number of years to allow for
seasonal variations
The technique could be applied more widely to study bird movements at other relevant sites, where funding
is available. The report states that this would be advantageous as it would allow the findings to be applied to
a wider range of situations across the UK.
Dissemination:
This report forms part of a larger study by CSL and RSPB (‘Developing policy and best practice in relation
to restoration following minerals extraction – resolving conflicts with aviation’), which will inform policy and
best practice guidance.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF BAP HABITATS AT MINERAL SITES
IN WORCESTERSHIRE (DEFRA, WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL)
Project Type: Review, case studies, guidelines
Site: Mineral sites in Worcestershire
Project Aim: To assess the merits of future restoration plans in Worcestershire. To provide a source
of reference for future restoration plans. To shortlist habitats that are most appropriate for given sites. To
facilitate the industry’s role and commitment to achieving nature conservation objectives.
Main Methods: Combination of best practice, assessment of a selection of past and present extraction
sites in Worcestershire
Output:
Description of the Worcestershire BAP
Discussion of restoration and aftercare of minerals sites, and the need to consider long-term management
Discussion of the compatibility of nature conservation restoration with other end-uses
Description of BAP habitats in the Worcestershire context
Provision of key information on creation of these habitats at aggregate sites (with advice to seek skilled
ecological guidance prior to creating them)
Provision of references and further reading on these topics
Discussion of natural regeneration at minerals sites and local sourcing of seeds species for planting
Mention of vulnerable habitats close to proposed mineral sites that may be affected by extraction
Mention of the habitats created during extraction processes
Mentions landscape scale considerations and linking / expanding existing habitat fragments
Explanation of NVC communities and description of those occurring in the county – tables showing
considerations for each
Description of ‘ecological natural areas’ where aggregate extraction is concentrated in the county (plus
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