Review Topic - Creating Environmental Improvements through Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the term used to describe biological diversity, which is recognised as being crucial to the sustainability of our planet. It is used to describe the variety (and variability) of all living things and the relationship between them. Quarries often have the opportunity to make a practical contribution to the conservation of biodiversity, but they can also have a damaging effect on biodiversity.
 
A large number of biodiversity related projects has been funded by the ALSF, through both MIRO (which have mainly been focussed on research) and Natural England (where the emphasis has been on practical projects). These were all reviewed in the course of writing the report. Non-ALSF work that was contemporaneous with the ALSF work has also been reviewed and cited in the report.

The relationship between biodiversity and quarries can logically be divided up into the different phases of the quarry life-cycle.

Planning and design phase

At the planning and design phase, where potential sites are being identified, the priority recommended by many ALSF reports should be to choose those where the potential is greatest for maximising benefits and minimising damage to biodiversity. All the reports agree that this requires the earliest possible agreement of habitat end-uses and the comprehensive monitoring of baseline levels. ALSF projects have highlighted that habitat creation is currently delivered on a site-by-site basis and that, in future, it would be desirable if habitats being created aim to make substantial contributions to local and national Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs), and seek to expand on existing habitats in the surrounding area. Damage to existing protected or important habitats and corridors should be avoided and care should be taken with less obvious wildlife such as invertebrates, plants and fungi. The application of Strategic Environmental Assessment in limiting impacts on biodiversity has been considered by some ALSF projects, including developing GIS tools for this purpose.

Operational phase

During the operational phase, there will be considerable change (ideally planned/predicted) inside and possibly adjacent to the site. ALSF projects have highlighted the changes in surface and ground water that can affect certain habitats and therefore need to be managed or mitigated to minimise damage and maximise opportunities for benefit. A number of organisations produce briefing sheets that give guidelines for accommodating different species of plant, invertebrates, etc. in operational areas. However, it is important to consider the spatial and temporal changes that will take place and to remain flexible to deal with the unpredictable. Progressive restoration offers many opportunities for increasing the biodiversity value of a site whilst it is still operating.

Post-closure phase

ALSF projects have shown that the restoration of quarry sites provides the greatest opportunity to benefit biodiversity, and high quality wildlife habitat has been created on a number of sites thanks to the vision and hard work of the minerals industry, planners and NGOs. Reports show that the minerals industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to UK BAP targets for habitat expansion by building on existing successes. Habitat creation should always follow best practice, with site investigations and on-site trials, natural regeneration (where possible) and local seed sourcing all being important. ALSF projects have continued to add to this body of knowledge and advise that skilled ecological guidance should always be sought. Restoration schemes should not be too ambitious, benefiting from having larger areas of fewer habitats. Additional site requirements such as geological conservation and public access can be successfully incorporated, but early discussion between all parties is crucial for effective site design.

The long-term management and funding of any habitat creation restoration scheme is crucial to its success. ALSF projects have confirmed the importance of stakeholder partnerships that are involved in extended monitoring and management. The partnerships often involve a mixture of councils, statutory bodies (such as Natural England), NGOs (such as RSPB and Wildlife Trusts), voluntary groups and the land-owners. The on-going commitment of the operating company beyond its statutory duties may be required for some schemes to succeed, but ALSF projects have also looked at the potential for some schemes to generate an income source.

Some successful schemes have imaginatively integrated a number of different end-uses, involving a wide range of stakeholders. ALSF projects have looked at restoration schemes where biodiversity has been enhanced alongside geodiversity, education, recreation or flood-alleviation schemes.

Some projects have highlighted the importance of the regional and national context. Schemes for enhancing biodiversity should not just be considered at the specific site level, but should also consider the wider benefits and objectives for biodiversity and landscape. A number of reports suggest there should be a national data collection scheme facilitating a co-ordinated strategy, and the importance of the Nature After Minerals programme is recognised.

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