Environment
Our environment tomorrow
Protecting biodiversity in the Peak District
In biodiversity terms, the Peak District is special. The limestone-dominated White Peak area has been heavily influenced by farming, forestry, grouse moor management, demand for water and tourism. The White Peak dales sustain many high-quality habitats: species-rich grasslands support a range of colourful flowers; scrub and woodland supports a range of bats, birds, flora and invertebrates; limestone cliffs, rock outcrops and screes support specialised trees, birds, flowers, mosses and lichens; and rivers and streams provide habitat for a range of fish, invertebrates and animals.
Creating a lasting legacy
As a part of our on-going environmental management programme, Longcliffe is committed to ensuring that our activities protect and wherever possible enhance biodiversity in the Peak District and UK.
When the Quarry reserves are exhausted the quarry rim will be returned to nature. Rock faces will be restored to create suitable substrates for colonizing wildlife. In time the rock faces will develop a rich flora and provide nesting sites for birds like the Peregrine Falcon and Raven. Trees such as ash and hazel successfully disguise a feature that is man made in origin but natural upon completion.
The quarrying industry has a vital role in maintaining and improving biodiversity and Longcliffe is passionately committed to the protection of the environment.
"We are committed to making a lasting contribution to biodiversity and doing our utmost to preserve the local enivironment for the benefit of future generations." says Robert Shields, Managing Director, Longcliffe.
The potential to create new habitats
“Biodiversity”, or biological diversity, is concerned with all species of plants and animals and the habitats in which they live. At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, the UK signed “The Convention on Biological Diversity” with over 150 countries. Following this, the UK government produced a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in 1994 and subsequent species and habitat action plans to guide the conservation work across the country.
Local BAPs are the main method for implementing the national Action Plan. These are often written by the Wildlife Trusts, in partnership with organisations such as English Nature, RSPB and local government. Longcliffe plans to work with these bodies in the development of our BAP for the benefit of the Peak District and the UK as a whole. Biodiversity Action Plans are about identifying priorities, setting targets and making a postive contribution to the conservation of biodiversity - with industry and conservation organisations collaborating like never before.
We have the potential to create exciting new habitats from previously worked land. Our quarry is already a home to once common butterflies, reptiles and wild flowers. We also have an opportunity to create new wildlife habitats such as cliffs, indigenous woods and ponds when quarrying activities have ceased, and it is vital we make the most of this for the benefit not only of the plants and animals but, ultimately, all of us.
Natural Chemistry...Pure Science
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