Farmland birds have seen populations decline sharply over the last several decades. This change is driven by a loss of suitable habitat. When quarries are restored features such as tussocky grass, hedgerows, scrub and woodland are reintroduced to the landscape. This in conjunction with farmland that surrounds quarries has helped restore habitats which the species had previously relied on. Introducing biodiversity action plans at the quarries has also helped with ongoing monitoring. Species which had seen drastic population falls in the UK can now be seen successfully nesting and foraging in restored areas of quarries. Most notable has been the return of tree sparrows, reed bunting, lapwing, yellowhammer and linnet.
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LafargeHolcim Spain has adopted an innovative system in which granivorous birds and bees play a fundamental role in the ecological restoration of its quarries. Specifically, the company is working on the recovery of wild bees, currently in regression, as a lever for pollination and birds as an effective engine for seed dispersal. Both species offer a unique opportunity of promoting natural biodiversity, as well as enhancing the biodiversity value of its quarries during the restoration process.
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Lepidoptera at Southam Quarry
Working closely with the wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, Southam Quarry has introduced landscape features which are deliberately designed to help butterfly and moth species. A careful blend of calcareous grassland, scrub and fresh water bodies were included in the restoration scheme. Butterfly conservation were very concerned with a rare species called the Small Blue. The local population had fallen to a level whereby the species faced local extinction. Work began 10 years ago as the quarry started the 1st phase of restoration. The work has produced excellent results and there is now a significant small blue colony resident on site. The colony has also now started to expand across the local area. The work has benefitted not just the Small Blue but also other species of Lepidoptera, 120 were recorded on site during 2018, including rare and endangered species of moth.
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A biodiversity baseline study was made at Leros quarry, which lies within a Wildlife Refuge protection area and is also adjacent to a Special Protection Area (SPA) of Natura 2000. The objective of the study, which included field survey, recording of birds and habitats, was to investigate features of high biodiversity value, identify potential threats and determine actions to establish a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the preservation and enhancement of biodiversity.
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Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials, but at HeidelbergCement we are exploring how this product can not only be used to benefit people but also nature. Working in partnership with NGOs, communities and universities we have been developing different ‘concrete’ based habitats for a variety of animals include common terns and yellow-bellied toads.
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Beginning in 2011, HeidelbergCement launched the ‘Quarry Life Awards’ – a competition aimed not only to help the company understand the nature living in its sites and how best to manage it, but also to encourage further research and awareness raising on the importance of quarries for wildlife. Run every few years, this competition attracts universities, NGOs, school and communities into our sites with the one common aim of making ‘nature the biggest winner!’.
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A project with local schools led to the creation of a nature trail at CRH’s Wössingen cement plant. Students researched the species and ecosystems present in the quarry and created a nature trail, with information boards and “wild bee hotel” that could be enjoyed by members of the public. State Secretary, Andre Baumann from the Ministry of the Environment, inaugurated the nature trail and praised it as an example of a win-win for both business and ecosystems protection.
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Bio-monitoring and preservation activities are the bases of the environmental awareness program for pupils, developed under the project “Adopt a river” in the area of Zlatna Panega river, Bulgaria. The project aims at building awareness on the biodiversity and environmental conditions of rivers and involvement of pupils and active citizens in activities for preservation of freshwater and riparian ecosystems.
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Fauna plays an important role in the restoration of quarries, acting as a seed disperser for several species, promoting spontaneous regeneration of vegetation, or in controlling pests.
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For the least 36 years we have been learning about the complexities and opportunities of managing biodiversity and overcoming restoration challenges.
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In 2010 the project of building a 6 kms long conveyor belt, associated to a limestone quarry, took place on a dry area hosting an endangered species, Pulsatilla rubra; the environmental assessment highlighted the presence of a dozen of specimens. Restoring a similar site, less than 3 kms away has been decided in order to boost the growing of Pulsatilla rubra, and to strengthen the population of this flower.
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The company aims to raise awareness of the organic value of mining sites and to promote environmental education projects with focus on mining and biodiversity and to increase collaboration with external communities.
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