Biodiversity
Biodiversity is important to us. We have had robust Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) at all our quarries in the UK since 2009. These identify actions and targets for priority habitats and species, along with locally important wildlife and sites. A number of our larger quarry sites hold the Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark and we are an industry leader in biodiversity practices across our operations.
Our actions
Biodiversity Benchmark
Tarmac is an industry leader in biodiversity management. Nine Tarmac units have been awarded the Biodiversity Benchmark by The Wildlife Trusts, the UK’s leading conservation organisation. This prestigious and independently assessed benchmark is awarded in recognition of businesses and organisations that demonstrate continuous improvement in biodiversity management and proactively support the UK Biodiversity Plan. Tarmac holds around 68% of all Benchmarks awarded by The Wildlife Trusts in our sector.
Read more about the Biodiversity Benchmark
Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs)
Our landbase covers approximately 15,562 hectares across the UK and we embed sustainability into all aspects of our land management practices.
Tarmac is committed to protecting the environment and preserving the biodiversity of areas in which we work. BAPs support this by playing an important role in both our operations and our quarrying restoration programmes. In 2009, we became the first quarrying company to have BAPs in place at all of our active UK sites. For every BAP, we work with independent ecologists to create a detailed assessment of the local ecology, including site-specific risks or issues; and set out measures to protect biodiversity.
Tarmac has a particular responsibility to protect important statutory designated sites. In 2011, we had 96 statutory designations on our sites, covering a total area of 279 hectares. 1,971 hectares of restored land remain within our ownership in the UK, this includes 333 hectares restored for agriculture, 475 for conservation or amenities, and 35 hectares as woodland.
2012 will see our work around BAPs progress further with a biodiversity strategy setting out our commitments until 2020.
Industry recognition
Tarmac leads the industry in its proactive approach to habitat restoration and supporting UK regional and national biodiversity targets. In 2011, for example, our Bellmoor and Lound Estate in Nottinghamshire won the Mineral Products Association Cooper-Heyman Cup for the restoration of 600 hectares of land to farmland and woodland.
Read more about the MPA Cooper Heyman Cup
Engaging communities and stakeholders
Engaging effectively with our neighbours and other stakeholders is key to the success of our biodiversity management strategy. By listening to others and sharing our plans openly, we are able to better understand our local environments, the issues that are of concern to different groups, and how we can work together to enhance biodiversity.
Chris Packham helps handover Broadoak Quarry
Partnering with the Northumberland Wildlife Trust to manage a nature reserve next to Broadoak quarry.
Bittern boom at Nosterfield
Conservation efforts lead to increased numbers of the rare Bittern at Nosterfield quarry in North Yorkshire.
