Quarry restoration

Besthorpe Quarry

Restoration

The phasing of mineral extraction is carefully planned to minimise environmental impacts and to enable progressive restoration of the extracted areas. Developed in consultation with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and the County Council’s nature conservation and landscape advisors, the restoration plans for the extension involve the creation of nature conservation habitats to increase diversity and benefit local wildlife, complementing the existing restorative works at the site.

Delivered in line with RSPB’s “Bigger Better” vision, the plans include open water, shallows, wetland, and restored meadows, created using indigenous materials. Following completion, the restored landform will be managed to ensure the nature conservation habitats establish fully. This will be supported by an ongoing monitoring regime consistent with best practice guidance.

A successful track record across the Midlands

In other parts of the Midlands, we have been responsible for many successful restoration schemes, with many new habitats being created. Wildlife reserves have been created in Nottinghamshire at former Tarmac sites, including Langford Lowfields. In Staffordshire, former gravel workings at the still functioning Alrewas Quarry have been transformed into the National Memorial Arboretum.