The eco centre
Restoration of the land
Sand and gravel quarries often last no longer than 15 years and the land that’s been dug is restored in stages.
Rock quarries last longer and can be in existance for over 100 years. They take longer to restore because they’re often much deeper, but they can also be restored bit by bit and given back to farming or used to create nature areas.
Good planning and modern techniques mean that the upper levels or ‘benches’ can be worked on as they’re completed. The final quarry floor can often be successfully returned to agriculture.
Waste disposal is another important use of deep rock quarries. For example, carefully controlled management of household waste – ie, your rubbish - is more acceptable in a quarry than in the middle of a village, town or city. Following landfill, the sites can still return to farming or other uses. Sand and gravel quarries can also be used for landfill.