Restoration
Restoration is a key part of our plans at every quarry. Restoration schemes are part of each planning application, taking into account the type of site, location, lifespan, environmental factors, and the needs of local communities.
Our sites are either restored to their original use before we started quarrying or guided by our Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs), we may enhance the area to create a nature reserve or wetland habitat; while, in other cases, the land may be returned to the community for recreational use.
The long-term nature of the quarrying process means that many of our sites are restored progressively, with inactive parts of a site restored while quarrying operations continue. Although it can be lengthy and expensive, restoration is an essential procedure, and once the process is completed, then all quarrying activities are finished.
Did you know?
- More than 777 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in the UK are former mineral workings.
- Over the last two years, we have restored 3,258 hectares of land in the UK, including 946 hectares for agriculture, 1,075 for conservation or amenities, and 139 hectares as woodland.
- Last year we planted 40,167 trees, 3,910 metres of hedgerows and built 372 metres of dry stone wall
