Restoration

We progressively restore the site, meaning that as each phase of extraction is completed it is transformed into a new landscape. This enables habitats to begin to re-establish themselves as early as possible and it minimises the amount of land under extraction at any one time.

Restoration of the western section has been completed, except for the plant site area which will be needed to process the mineral from the eastern area. High-quality restoration has delivered water bodies that blend in with the character of the landscape. As is standard across all Tarmac sites, we are responsible for the aftercare of restored land for five years after extraction is complete.

We have revised the restoration scheme since the one permitted in 2016 to deliver greater environmental benefit, with an increase in water based and wetland habitats. The revised plan will create more than 22 hectares of lakes, shallows and wetland, alongside grassland, wet meadow and agricultural land that can be managed sustainable in the long-term.

Key features will include:

• Wetland habitats
• Species-rich grassland and wet meadow
• Woodland and naturally regenerating scrub in the western area of the site
• Black poplar planting
• Retention of hedgerows
• Retention and restoration of agricultural land in the central and southern sections.

You can see the 2016 approved restoration scheme here.

Restored former extraction areas from the western phase: