Chris Packham helps handover Broadoak Quarry

Tarmac and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) jointly manage a 70 ha site at Broadoak Nature Reserve.

We are the first company in our industry to have Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) in place at all active quarries. This strategy means we have set up many nature reserves across the UK, including an extensive site developed in collaboration with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

In 2011, to celebrate NWT’s 40th anniversary, we officially handed over Phase 1 of Broadoak Nature Reserve to the NWT. Chris Packham, renowned naturalist, TV presenter and NWT Patron, supported the event. The handover means that NWT manages the site with direct support from Tarmac. Initially, the reserve will be approximately 23 ha, and the handover for Phase 2 is scheduled for spring 2012.

Our partnership promotes priority biodiversity habitats and species while supporting public engagement. Two Tarmac sites are covered by the reserve: Broadoak and Hollings Hill, both situated in the River Derwent valley. We will continue to extract sand and gravel from parts of Broadoak quarry, which is outside the nature reserve. At Hollings Hill quarry, we will dispose of inert waste materials safely until Phases 3 and 4 of Broadoak Nature Reserve are completed.

Restoring the overall site is a joint project that benefits from ongoing support from Northumberland County Council (NCC), NWT and landowners. We all share a common goal for restoring and enhancing biodiversity.

Stakeholder consultation matters to us. The local quarry liaison group was actively involved during the planning process and we valued their input. We’re committed to working closely with our neighbours so that residents’ views are included in our plans. We anticipate holding an official open day in spring 2012.

Broadoak Nature Reserve is a perfect example of public and private sector collaboration. Although NWT is now the principal manager of the site, Tarmac is committed to remaining an active partner and to the long-term management of protecting and enhancing biodiversity.