Bird numbers soar at Lound

Tarmac's Lound quarry achieved first place in the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) EDF Energy Business Bird Challenge. The competition aims to discover the best business sites for conservation, attracting bird species and community engagement.

Our 600 hectare sand and gravel quarry complex near Retford won the Birds Category for Quarry Sites, beating fierce competition from other quarries across the UK.

Volunteer birdwatchers from the Lound Bird Club spotted a record 171 bird species visiting the quarry during 2010. The local ‘twitchers’ recorded a wide variety of rare birds at the site including great white egret and baird sandpiper. This sighting was only the second time the bird has been spotted in Nottinghamshire.

After the donation and sale of significant areas of the restored land to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, our active partnership ensures that a comprehensive biodiversity action plan is implemented.

Business sites taking part in the ‘Bird Challenge’ ranged from working quarries and power stations to company headquarters and those undergoing restoration. Companies were assessed based on their size and nature of business, with categories including Wetland, Quarry, Land Management and Industrial/Power Station.

Creating and maintaining wildlife havens where bird species flourish is a great indication of the effort that site managers, staff and volunteers have invested. The prestigious award confirms our long-standing commitment to enhancing biodiversity.

George Elliott, restoration manager at Tarmac, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement and shows that a rich variety of wildlife can thrive at well-managed habitats like Lound quarry. This award win is also about partnership with local people and it would not have been possible without the dedication, passion and enthusiasm of the Lound Bird Club.”