Tarmac creates a new home for wildlife

The event was marked by the handover to the Trust of keys for a new vehicle. The Trust is planning to transform the site into a new 17 ha. wildlife haven. It is hoped that this will provide homes for wildflowers, solitary bees, grassland butterflies, and birds, as well as a venue to inspire the next generation about the value of nature.

Tarmac began quarrying the 65 ha. Crown Farm Quarry in 1989. Previously agricultural farmland, the site has been quarried over the last three decades for sand to be used in the manufacturing of concrete, mortar, and asphalt that is used to maintain and develop the built environment.

The reserve will not be open to the public due to the fact that the quarry is still operational. However, the Cheshire Wildlife Trust is planning to hold events for supporters, as well as to deliver education sessions for schools at the new onsite Discovery Centre (sponsored by Tarmac).

“With quarrying now finished on part of the site, Cheshire Wildlife Trust will manage the restored area as Crown Farm Nature Reserve,” said Kevin Feeney, Living Landscapes Officer and Nature Reserve Manager for Cheshire Wildlife Trust. “We have already seen birds, such as sand martins, and butterflies, such as the small heath butterfly, the common blue, and small coppers, start to move back into this area, which is incredibly exciting. For me, it clearly shows the resilience of our wildlife – if we provide bigger, better, and more joined up areas for nature, species are able to move back in.”

“We are proud of our partnership with Cheshire Wildlife Trust and look forward to working with them in the future to develop the nature reserve,” said Steve Williams, Quarry Manager at Tarmac Crown Farm. “We are committed to enhancing the biodiversity of our sites and hope that by working with the trust we will be able to create something special for Delamere.”

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/06022019/tarmac-creates-a-new-home-for-wildlife/