Cemex UK continues with quarry rehabilitation

Cemex UK is converting its Parkfield Road lime and clay quarry and landfill site near its Rugby cement works into a nature reserve. The restoration project commenced in 2010, with the most recent construction development in the project being three floating islands on the site’s lake. These are anchored by synthetic ropes and concrete blocks so that they can be adjusted when the lake fills with rainwater. The 1000 m² islands are made up of 106 frames made from both natural and synthetic materials in order to provide a hospitable platform for flora and fauna, such as birds, amphibians and small mammals.

More than 263 000 t of material has been moved from the site to Southam Quarry, which is located 10 miles away. This was used to complete the restoration of an engineered landfill cell at Southam, which has since been capped and seeded.

As the steep faces of the quarry remain, the Parkfield Road site could potentially provide a home for Peregrine falcons and kestrels. The planning process indicated that the new reserve could also serve as a viable habitat for the British White Clawed Crayfish, which is under threat from the American Signal Crayfish, although none have yet been found at the site.

The local community will be able to enjoy the wildlife from an external viewing point, and interpretation boards are due to be installed at the reserve’s perimeter with information about the wildlife that can be found there.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/15112012/cement_cemex_uk_quarry_rehabilitation_rugby_166/